A fascinating biography of the philanthropist Albert Barnes, whose pioneering collection of modern art was meant to transform America’s soulFrom prominent critic and biographer Blake Gopnik comes a compelling new portrait of America’s first great collector of modern art, Albert Coombs Barnes. Raised in a Philadelphia slum shortly after the Civil War, Barnes rose to earn a medical degree and then made a fortune from a pioneering antiseptic treatment for newborns. Never losing sight of the working-class neighbors of his youth, Barnes became a ruthless advocate for their rights and needs. His vast art collection—181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos—was dedicated to enriching their cultural lives. A miner was more likely to get access than a mine owner.Gopnik’s meticulous research reveals Barnes as a fierce advocate for the egalitarian ideals of his era’s progressive movement. But while his friends in the movement worked to reshape American society, Barnes wanted to transform the nation’s aesthetic life, taking art out of the hands of the elite and making it available to the average American.The Maverick’s Museum offers a vivid picture of one of America’s great eccentrics. The sheer ferocity of Barnes’s democratic ambitions left him with more enemies than allies among people of all classes, but for a circle of intimates, he was a model of intelligence, generosity, and loyalty. In this compelling portrait, Gopnik reveals a life shaped by contradictions, one that left a lasting impact. Read more

“There is no city like New York and no better tour guide to it than Keith Taillon! I’m a lifelong New Yorker but he has taught me things about each neighborhood and every block I never knew before. Keith brings the ‘city that never sleeps’ alive in a way no one else can.” – Anderson CooperJoin Keith Taillon on twelve of his most popular walking tour routes, examining in depth the various neighbourhoods of Manhattan, their history, and the intricacies of their formation. In Walking New York, Keith traces the evolution of the Big Apple back to some of its early seeds, focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries – a window in which New York City transformed from a small provincial port town into a global metropolis. He covers everything from the completion of the Erie Canal and Croton Aqueduct to some of the notorious characters behind the city’s Gilded Age. Each chapter features a suggested walking route, with a detailed map and notes on the route's length and time. Throughout each walk, readers are encouraged to pause and really take in the streetscape. Filled with interesting facts and timelines, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of why the city looks and feels the way it does. Perfect for tourists, New Yorkers and armchair travellers alike, you will see New York in a new way, learning to look up, look around, and appreciate this truly special place anew. Read more

Lonely Planet's local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime to New York City.Discover New York City's most popular experiences and best kept secrets - neighbourhood by neighbourhood - from exploring Central Park's 843 acres to taking a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding class on the Hudson, and devouring world cuisine in the East Village.Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's New York City travel guide:Our classic guidebook format provides you with the most comprehensive level of information for planning trips of 1-2 weeks or moreUpdated with an all new structure and design so you can navigate New York City and connect experiences together with easeCreate your ideal trip with exciting Perfect Day itineraries with suggestions of unmissable attractions and activities to match your passions, plus day trips from New York City so you can explore the surrounding areasGet fresh takes on must-visit sights including the Statue of Liberty, a trip to Chinatown's Doyers Street, and Washington Square ParkSpecial features on exploring the five boroughs, Broadway shows guide, East Village food tourExpert local recommendations on when to go, eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, adventure activities, festivals, and moreEssential information toolkit containing tips on arriving; transport; making the most of your time and money; LGBTIQ+ travel advice; accessibility; and responsible travel Connect with New York City culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history, and traditions Inspiring full-colour travel photography and maps including a pull out map of New York CityCovers Lower Manhattan, SoHo, Chinatown, Nolita & Little Italy, East Village & Lower East Side, West Village, Chelsea & Meatpacking District, Union Square, Flatiron & Gramercy, Midtown, Upper East Side, Upper West Side & Central Park, Harlem & Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens plus day trips to Hudson Valley, Upstate New York, Long Island, New Jersey, Westchester, Hoboken, New Haven  Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary city with Lonely Planet's New York City. Read more

Packed with extraordinary photos, illustrations, and historical facts, a celebration of the legendary Manhattan rail terminal’s first century.Opened in February 1913, Grand Central Terminal—one of the country's great architectural monuments—helped create Midtown Manhattan. Over the next century, it evolved into an unofficial town square for New York. Today, it sits astride Park Avenue at 42nd Street in all its original splendor, attracting visitors by the thousands. This book celebrates Grand Central’s Centennial by tracing the Terminal’s history and design, and showcasing 200 photographs of its wonders—from the well-trodden Main Concourse to its massive power station hidden ten stories below. The stunning photographs, some archival and some taken by Frank English, official photographer of Metro-North Railroad for more than twenty-five years, capture every corner of this astonishing complex. Read more

These forty essays from the New York Times’ City section tell “stories of human life in all its quirky richness” (The Boston Globe).   Featuring a cast of stellar writers, this collection brings some of the best essays from the City section to readers beyond the five boroughs. New York Stories profiles people like sixteen-year-old Barbara Ott, who surfs the waters off Rockaway in Queens, and Sonny Payne, the beloved panhandler of the F train. Other essays explore memorable places, from the Greenwich Village townhouse blown up by radical activists in the 1970s to a basketball court that serves as the heart of its Downtown neighborhood. The forty essays collected here reflect an intimate understanding of the city, one that goes beyond the headlines. The result is a passionate, well-written portrait of a legendary and ever-evolving place.   Contributors include: Andre Aciman, Thomas Beller, Laura Shaine Cunningham, Jim Dwyer, Jill Eisenstadt, Vivian Gornick, Chuck Klosterman, Robert Lipsyte, Phillip Lopate, Jan Morris, Richard Price, Joe Queenan, Suzanne Vega, Meg Wolitzer, and more   “Unassuming, elegant dispatches, suffused with a wise but unsentimental affection.”—The New Yorker   “All of the pieces are engrossing  . . . This is both an excellent addition to New York history and a pleasure for casual browsing.” ―Publishers Weekly Read more

New York City Travel Guide: How to Explore Like a Local with Maps & Skip Lines, Budget Planner Tips, Secret Spots, and Itineraries for Family with KidsNew York City is one of the most exciting places in the world, but planning a trip here can feel like a lot—crowds everywhere, pricey attractions, and so many places to visit that it’s hard to decide where to start. I’ve been in that situation, and that’s why I wrote this guide. I want you to enjoy NYC the best way possible, with helpful tips, smart planning, and real local advice that will make your trip easier.See New York City Like You Live HereThis isn’t just another travel guide filled with basic lists. This book is packed with real tips and easy strategies to help you:- Skip long lines at the busiest attractions so you don’t waste hours waiting.- Explore on a budget without missing the best experiences.- Follow simple itineraries made for families, couples, and solo travelers.Go Beyond the Tourist Spots - Discover NYC’s Hidden SideThere’s more to NYC than Times Square and the Empire State Building (though I’ll help you see those, too).In this guide, I’ll take you to:- Secret spots most tourists never find.- Local food places where New Yorkers actually eat.- Unique neighborhoods, from Brooklyn’s artsy streets to Harlem’s famous music scene.Helpful Tools to Make Your Trip SmootherThis guide includes detailed maps, QR codes, and pictures so you can find your way easily. Need directions? Scan a QR code for updated info. Want to know what a place looks like before you go? The photos will help you decide where to visit.What Makes This Guide SpecialI’ve spent years exploring NYC, and I know what makes a trip great. This book is simple, personal, and made to help you avoid common mistakes. You’ll feel like you have a friend showing you around, making sure you have the best time.Start Your NYC Adventure TodayDon’t waste time figuring things out on your own; let me help you get the most out of your trip. Grab your copy now and get ready for an amazing New York City experience! Read more

A vibrant city adventure, a place where history, culture, and culinary delights are converged in the heart of the Midwest, a must-have for any traveler exploring the Windy City. Discover the magic of Chicago, a city that seamlessly blends its storied past with a dazzling present. From the iconic skyline to the bustling neighborhoods, Chicago offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.Unleash Your Inner ExplorerJacob Adams comprehensive Chicago Travel Guide will be your trusted companion as you navigate the city's diverse offerings. Within these pages, you'll find:In-depth Neighborhood Guides: Delve into the unique charm of each neighborhood, from the trendy shops and art galleries of River North to the historic streets of the Loop.Must-See Attractions: Explore world-class museums, architectural marvels, and iconic landmarks, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower.Culinary Adventures: Indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey through Chicago's diverse food scene, from deep-dish pizza to gourmet dining.Hidden Gems: Discover off-the-beaten-path treasures, secret spots, and local insider tips.Practical Travel Tips: Navigate the city with ease, from transportation and accommodations to local customs and etiquette.Event Calendar: Stay up-to-date with the latest events, festivals, and cultural happenings.Your Passport to an Unforgettable ExperienceWith our expert recommendations and insider knowledge, you'll uncover the true essence of Chicago. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will inspire you to create unforgettable memories.Don't miss out on the ultimate Chicago experience. Grab your Copy of "Chicago Travel Guide 2025" today and start planning your adventure! Read more

Learn from Home or While Traveling - Get the kids engaged and excited about Philadelphia - the city of brotherly love!A Philadelphia Pennsylvania travel and learning book written especially for kids! Hey Kids! Let's Visit Philadelphia asks:Hey Kids! Did you know...Philadelphia is home to the 2,080-pound (943.5 kg) Liberty Bell?There is a residential street in Philadelphia that dates back to 1703?The ship that carried to "unknown soldier" from France to the United States is docked in Philadelphia?The Philadelphia Eagles once built a cheesesteak sandwich that was longer than a football field?You will find out all about these things and many more fun Philly facts in Hey Kids! Let's Visit Philadelphia! You will love this book whether you are preparing for a vacation with the family, or simply want to learn a little more about things to do and see in Philadelphia. Younger kids will love this neat way to visit through reading with their family!Each section of the book explains some of the history behind the major attractions as well as listing some fun and interesting facts about each one. Your child or grandchild will be your tour guide with this book! So make sure that they have this book early in the planning phases of your trip as well as with them during the trip!A few of the fun Philadelphia attractions that you will learn about in this book are:Liberty BellIndependence HallCongress HallBetsy Ross HouseElferth's AlleyNational Constitution CenterThe Franklin InstitutePhiladelphia Museum of ArtLove ParkWhether you are planning a trip with your family or just want to know more about Philadelphia, this book is the perfect way to get started.Teresa Mills is the bestselling author of the Hey Kids! Let's Visit Series of travel books for kids! This series focuses on building your child's / grandchild's life experiences through travel and learning activities that will enhance their lives forever!!!The Hey Kids! Let's Visit Series also includes:Hey Kids! Let's Visit Washington DCHey Kids! Let's Visit a Cruise ShipHey Kids! Let's Visit New York CityHey Kids! Let's Visit London EnglandHey Kids! Let's Visit San FranciscoHey Kids! Let's Visit Savannah GeorgiaHey Kids! Let's Visit Paris FranceHey Kids! Let's Visit Charleston South CarolinaHey Kids! Let's Visit ChicagoHey Kids! Let's Visit Rome ItalyHey Kids! Let's Visit BostonHey Kids! Let's Visit San DiegoHey Kids! Let's Visit SeattleHey Kids! Let's Visit Seoul South KoreaHey Kids! Let's Visit AtlantaHey Kids! Let's Visit Dublin IrelandHey Kids! Let's Visit Philadelphia is a great introduction to what makes the city of brotherly love a must-see! If you like well-researched info, inspired knowledge, and surprising details, then you’ll love Teresa Mills’ great resource.Buy Hey Kids! Let's Visit Philadelphia to start building on your kids' life experiences today! Read more

From the “unofficial talent scout of NYC,” filmmaker, and social media icon New York Nico comes the only NYC guidebook you’ll ever need—a beautifully designed, photo packed celebration of the greatest city in the world, showcasing Nico’s top 100 New York institutions, shops, and eateries and the characters who shape them.What makes New York City the greatest city in the world? As one of the foremost chroniclers of New York’s local legends and urban glory, New York Nico has thoughts. Nico gets asked a lot of questions about his hometown. Where’s the best slice, pastrami sandwich, cup of coffee, vintage store, or bookshop?In this must-have city guide, New York Nico takes readers on an epic tour of his 100 can’t-miss NYC spots, including food, shopping, and so much more. As he traverses the five boroughs, he offers a raw and authentic “locals-only” guide to the city so nice they named it twice. But behind every New York institution are the personalities who make them special. Nico’s debut book functions as a document of a city and its people during a moment of transition. You’ll meet and learn the stories of beloved characters like Henry at Army Navy Bags, Yuval at Liebman’s Deli (the last kosher deli in the Bronx), Julia who serves Sri Lanken food to riders of the Staten Island Ferry, Jamal at Village Revival Records, and Big Mike and the dozens of barbers who speak Italian, Russian, Greek, Spanish, French, Polish, Uzbek, and Farsi at Astor Place Hairstylists. By hearing the living histories of New York’s most colorful characters, Nico shows us the heart and soul of the place they call home.Whether you’re visiting from out of town or you’re a born-and-raised local, this book has something for everyone, the same way the city itself has something for everyone. Beautifully designed and packed with photos and illustrations, New York Nico’s Guide to NYC is required reading for anyone who loves New York. Read more

This guidebook to the Big Apple goes beyond the traditional tour, offering visitors a fascinating exploration of the city’s rich history.   New York is a city of superlatives. It has the largest population, greatest wealth, broadest diversity, and most elegant museums in the nation. With that comes an amazing history that you can experience firsthand with this unique guide.   George Washington took his first oath of office on the steps of Federal Hall. Visitors can still dine at the famed Fraunces Tavern and worship at historic St. Paul’s Chapel. From the Brooklyn Bridge to stunning skyscrapers, the city celebrates its own history and that of the nation. Join author Alison Fortier as she traces the history and heritage of America’s largest metropolis. Read more

Sensitively answers the most common inquiries about Amish and Mennonite peoples. Authoritative, sympathetic, and thorough. 20 Most Asked Questions looks at origins, dress, pacifism, education, weddings, funerals, and food, as well as many other facets of Amish and Mennonite life. This book has sold more than 200,000 copies.1. What is the difference between the Amish and the Mennonites?2. When and how did these people get started?3. Are they a Christian group or do they represent a different religion?4. Aren’t they a bit naive and backward? Why don’t they accept modern things?5. Does anyone ever join them? Does anyone ever leave?6. Why do they dress that way?7. Is it true they don’t go to war?8. Why are they against education?9. Why are they such good farmers?10. Why don’t they pay Social Security taxes?11. Do any of the Amish or Mennonite groups believe in missions?12. What are their weddings like?13. How are their women and children treated?14. Is food a part of their religion?15. Do they go to doctors and hospitals?16. What about burial?17. Don’t they believe in having fun?18. What are some of their problems?19. Are they growing or dying in number?20. What, in fact, holds them together? Read more

Dive into the heart of Pittsburgh with the ultimate guide to the city's hidden gems and treasured experiences. From offbeat to classic, this book reveals 100 adventures that promise to transform the way you see the Steel City!Whether you're a lifelong resident or a curious traveler, prepare to uncover the secrets of Pittsburgh’s vibrant neighborhoods. Their innovation, culture, and history are waiting to be explored!Find the underground art scenes, savor flavors in heritage markets, cheer with the home crowd with locals at hidden haunts, and share in the passion of Pittsburgh's proud communities. Each page is an invitation to step off the beaten path and visit places that even many yinzers have yet to discover.With "The Pittsburgh Bucket List," adventure isn't just around the corner—it's on every page! Read more

This newly expanded and updated second edition offers hundreds of easy day trips within two hours of Rochester! Local travel expert Debi Bower, founder of daytrippingroc.com, shares her insider knowledge with detailed guides and suggested activities in Rochester, the Finger Lakes region, and beyond. This edition features four new day-trip destinations—Penn Yan, Hammondsport, Auburn, and Ellicottville—perfect for revisiting familiar favorites or discovering new gems. Day Trips Around Rochester, New York is the ultimate guide for residents and visitors eager to experience everything the region has to offer. Read more

E. B. White’s greatest stories, asides, essays, jokes, and tall tales about the city he arguably saw clearest, loved best, and skewered most mercilessly.Over more than fifty years at the New Yorker, E. B. White came to define a kind of ideal American prose: clear, casual, democratic, and urbane. He also did more than any writer to define his favorite city. His classic Here Is New York captured a moment in the life of Manhattan with precision and love—but his was no fleeting infatuation. In New York Sketches, the first collection of his casual pieces about the city, White ranges at whim from the nesting habits of pigeons to the aisles of a calculator trade-show on Eighth Avenue, from the behavior of snails in aquariums to the ghosts of old romance that haunt a flower shop or a fire escape or an old hotel. These sketches, some less than a page long, many written for a laugh, or in response to the news of the day, show us White at his most playful and inventive.New York Sketches is a welcome diversion for every New Yorker—native, adoptive, or far from home—and a perfect introduction, not only to what White called “the inscrutable and lovely town,” but to the everyday enchantments of one of her fondest reporters. Read more

Uncover fascinating, little-known histories of the five boroughs in The Bowery Boys’ official companion to their popular, award-winning podcast.It was 2007. Sitting at a kitchen table and speaking into an old karaoke microphone, Greg Young and Tom Meyers recorded their first podcast. They weren’t history professors or voice actors. They were just two guys living in the Bowery and possessing an unquenchable thirst for the fascinating stories from New York City’s past. Nearly 200 episodes later, The Bowery Boys podcast is a phenomenon, thrilling audiences each month with one amazing story after the next. Now, in their first-ever book, the duo gives you an exclusive personal tour through New York’s old cobblestone streets and gas-lit back alleyways. In their uniquely approachable style, the authors bring to life everything from makeshift forts of the early Dutch years to the opulent mansions of The Gilded Age. They weave tales that will reshape your view of famous sites like Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and the High Line. Then they go even further to reveal notorious dens of vice, scandalous Jazz Age crime scenes, and park statues with strange pasts.Praise for The Bowery Boys“Among the best city-centric series.” —New York Times“Meyers and Young have become unofficial ambassadors of New York history.” —NPR“Breezy and informative, crowded with the finest grifters, knickerbockers, spiritualists, and city builders to stalk these streets since back when New Amsterdam was just some farms.” —Village Voice“Young and Meyers have an all-consuming curiosity to work out what happened in their city in years past, including the Newsboys Strike of 1899, the history of the Staten Island Ferry, and the real-life sites on which Martin Scorsese’s Vinyl is based.” —The Guardian Read more

Fully revised and updated edition. Filled with all-new vintage postcards and photos. Maps for travelers following the original route. Read more

What makes a place haunted?Ghosts and ghouls. Spooky sounds in the night. Whispering voices in dark rooms. Items moved by unseen forces. Shadowy figures vanishing into thin air.East to west, north to south, Pennsylvania is filled with unexplainable phenomena. Best-selling author Tony Urban has researched more than 50 purportedly haunted locations from all corners of the keystone state and is here to tell the tales.From the Pennhurst Asylum to the old Allegheny County Jail. From haunted houses to cursed cemeteries. Phantom founding fathers, fallen Civil War soldiers, and much more. Read their haunted histories and hear from eyewitnesses whose encounters with ghosts are impossible to forget. Read more

The writing of this book has been a 9-year labor of love, summarizing all we have learned in six circumnavigations, and all we have learned of this trip from locals and other sailors. I remain baffled by how many tackle the Delmarva as a race or a passage, and how few savor the inner passage if they can, the small places and small harbors available to all boats, and all the regional flavor you miss, racing down the beaten well path. True, the prospect and the reality of piloting changeable inlets in anything but calm conditions is intimidating, but with suitable caution and flexibility in planning, there are many fascinating possibilities. I have describe both the conventional paths, and the more adventurous and rewarding alternatives. We went those out of the way places and brought back the details of a world known only to watermen and local sailors. I hope I have brought real life this tale; I know how deeply I enjoyed the time spent with my family. Read more

If you are planning on (or just thinking about) hiking the Appalachian Trail, this book is for you.Planning an Appalachian Trail thru-hike is overwhelming. I know. I spent months researching every question I could think of before starting the 6 month journey.Even after all of that research, there were countless mistakes I made. This book is everything I wish I would have known before starting. Inside is a step-by-step guide to efficiently plan for a successful thru-hike. Complete with personal tips and experiences. The goal of this guide is to help you complete the 2,185 mile long adventure, feel confident in your preparation and have a great time every step of the way.Learn how to budget wisely, save money and not waste cash.Know how to carve out 6 months from your family, job and home.Master a massive gear guide on everything from your spork to your tent.Understand clothing, layering and materials.Hear about what life is really like on the trail.Know which direction to go, when and why.Familiarize yourself with a state by state breakdown of the trail.Learn how to mentally prepare for the "I-wanna-quit-days"Understand the physical demands and methods to prevent injury.Prepare for the nutritional needs with favorite meals and food ideas.Know the real dangers on the AT.(Ladies) hear from AT record-holder Heather Anderson on "Female Needs".And a whole lot more...Hope you enjoy. Read more

A comprehensive and must-have food-lover’s guidebook to New York City from Eater, the online authority on where to eat and why it matters.   With Eater experts leading the way, explore the best restaurants, food trucks, specialty shops, and farmers’ markets, digging into New York City’s key flavors and food culture, learning from those who’ve shaped and defined how the city eats.Eater City Guide: New York is your go-to source for getting immersed in NYC’s famously vibrant and diverse dining culture. Offering context on how the local scene has been shaped by history, immigration, agriculture, and tradition, the guide offers vibrant, incomparable insight into the City That Never Sleeps and its one-of-a-kind food destinations and personalities.   This book includes: Ideas for great places to eat near key sites, which are often surrounded by underwhelming tourist traps Guide to NYC essentials such as pizza, steakhouses, bodegas, and more Brief history of the regional dining culture Plenty of maps that break down the must-visit spots and shopping destinations neighborhood by neighborhood Contributions from notable locals such as Philip Lim, Maangchi, and Alexander Smalls Weekend trip itineraries to eating destinations in the North Fork, Montauk, and the Hudson Valley Built on the unrivaled authority of Eater’s networks of local writers and editors, who live and breathe their hometown food scenes, this book is perfect for locals and travelers alike who are hungry to explore the best the city has to offer, based on the advice of in-the-know NYC natives.  Includes Color Illustrations Read more