Seeing Central Park: The Official Guide to the World's Greatest Urban Park

I just got this book in the mail today and it is absolutely delightful! It is full of gorgeous photographs and information about the intricacies of Central Park and I can't wait to read the text to learn more about NYC's amazing work of art that is Central Park. It looks like Sara Cedar Miller has done an exceptional job of sharing the history of the park's creation and its designers. I think it's amazing that the people of New York had the foresight to preserve such a large section of Manhattan Island as a park that all could enjoy. I wonder what the designers would say if they could see it now!The book has a smaller page size than some of our other "coffee table" books, but sometimes something smaller invites you for a closer look. It's beautifully presented in hard back form, and the dust cover has a map of Central Park on the reverse side. It's almost too pretty to carry along for a visit to the park!The book divides the Park into three sections and features a good balance of text and photographs of the many design elements of areas in the park. Some of the photos spread across two pages and others are smaller close-ups of more intricate decorations or embellishments on bridges and buildings. I love the fact that Sara Cedar Miller has included photos from all of the seasons, from the flowering fruit trees to snow-covered tree branches.Our son lives in Manhattan and we've visited the Park several times but have never explored it fully (nor has he!). Now that we have this book I'm sure we'll make more forays into the Park, bolstered by what Sara has presented to us in her delightful book. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about "the World's Greatest Urban Park."

What an incredible little book!! If you enjoyed Sara Cedar Miller's "Central Park: An American Masterpiece" you'll definitely enjoy "Seeing Central Park". Miller's knowledge of the park is unparalleled, and her intelligent and tender writing humanizes the park even for those of us who live in New York, and walk through the park and enjoy it on a regular basis. I rarely review things but having recently given this book as a gift to a few friends and getting even for those who don't live in New York, learning about the history and contribution to the city which Olmstead and Vaux made when they designed the park. I've bought a case of the books as Christmas presents for various friends who have seen my copy of the book and marveled over the beauty of the pictures of the park and the city which surrounds it. Its a true gift for any lover of NYC.Most importantly - the content and production of the book are stellar - the photos are beautiful and unlike most traditional 'guidebooks' the quality of printing is exquisite. The book is arranged in sections of ascending segments of the streets and then by the individual areas which are contained in that 10 block chunk of streets. There is also an adorable and useful map printed on the inside of the dust jacket so you can orient yourself in the park as you read through the book.Miller's photography and writing are stellar - witty and informative, the book seems more like an informative conversation than a lecture. An excellent purchase to be sure!

For my wife's birthday her BFF's are taking her to New York. One of her must do's is bike riding through Central Park. I bought her this book so she could familiarize herself with the park and some of the features to see. The book is awesome !! We both enjoyed reading and discussing the book. The book divides the park into 4-sections with pictures and descriptions of various highlights in each section. And, the reverse side of the dust cover is a great map of Central Park. Her trip is planned for late April, 2019 and she will take the book along as her guide.

This book is indispensable for walking in Central Park; in plain terms, it is simply necessary for "Seeing Central Park" properly, the way it should. All parts of this mega-park are gorgeous, and this book details each and every corner of it. All the statues and monuments are explained, as are all the pathways, roads, structures and bodies of water. The park's fascinating history is given in great detail. Perhaps the best feature of the book is the pictures, each and every one stunning in its own right. A person with enough time on his/her hands should take a full day, no less, to see Central Park - using this book is an absolute must!

I became interested in Central Park after learning how large it is and that it is totally man made. I. E. Planned and landscaped. I’ve never been there and most likely never will be. The book was the next best thing. Beautiful pictures, history, and descriptions of places of interest. Just what I was looking for.

This book, by the Central Park Conservancy is stunning! It is smaller in size than 8x10 inches, so you can bring it with you when you visit. Stunning photographs, beautifully seen, and fascinating text about so many of the small details that you might ordinarily miss. You NEED this book!

After reading a Kathy Reichs book with a crime taking place in Central Park, I realized in all the visits I'd made, I never knew much about the park. This small book gives excellent descriptions of every section of the park. A good gift.

As tourists we ran around the park and marveled at the wonder of creation that makes this part of New York so appealing. We came across this book and it filled in all the blanks and gave us information that made us yearn to go back and appreciate it even more. The book is full of wonderful stories about the historical origins of the gardens, statues, fields, and people both past and present who are responsible for this oasis in the heart of Manhattan. It is well illustrated and the photos capture as best they can the beauty of the park.

It is easy to comment on this book: it is just perfect!Very well organized, it starts off with a historical overview of Central Park that is significant but by no means wordy. Next, the Park is presented in five (arbitrary) sections, such as between 59th and 65th Streets, each of the main points of interest being discussed. The conclusion deals with the Park's significance in New York's fabric.One of the chief pleasures provided by the book derives from the beautiful colour photographs. These, taken in all seasons, include a variety of shots, notably panoramas, aerial views and close-ups of botanical or architectural details.The book is strong and well designed. Its seven inch square format makes it easily portable as one explores the Park.A final bonus lies in the dust cover that unfolds to display on its backside a full map of the Park.This truly enjoyable work serves both a great guidebook and a delightful souvenir.

das buch gibt die schönen seiten des central parks, den wir 2018 besucht haben, sehr gut wieder. in ruhe können die sehenswürdigkeiten noch einmal betrachtet werden.

Best book ever about Central Park history !Love it ! Recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn while visiting this so interesting park.

Ce livre reflète bien ce que représente cet immense park... très réaliste avec de jolies illustrations. L'idée du plan au verso de la jaquette est de bon augure pour s'y retrouver lorsque l'on a déjà visité ce park mais aussi avant de le découvrir.