The Bowery Boys: Adventures in Old New York: An Unconventional Exploration of Manhattan's Historic Neighborhoods, Secret Spots and Colorful Characters

When The Bowery Boys released "Adventures in Old New York," the only real question was whether this first book could live up to their widely acclaimed podcast on New York City history. No worries; it does on every count."Adventures in Old New York" is a history book-tourist guide hybrid that's something I haven't seen before. Dividing Manhattan into neighborhoods from New York Harbor at the tip of the island to Washington Heights and Inwood at the top, authors Greg Young and Tom Meyers illuminate each area with a main article of special interest before highlighting many of their own favorite locations — complete with a map, addresses, photos and plenty of their trademark puns.This book covers a lot of ground — literally and figuratively. Architecture. Food. Events. Social movements. Unusual personalities. And it won't surprise anyone familiar with the podcast that there's no shortage of oddities you'll find only in New York City. (What about a statue of Vladimir Lenin hailing a cab atop the Red Square Apartments and next to a clock with numbers in random order?) It's all here with a historical twist, so there's surely something for everyone.If you're interested in either history or New York City, it will be hard not to love this book. If you're into both, it's a slam dunk. "Adventures in Old New York" is an engaging read that's just as easy to enjoy in short spurts as it is over a long, leisurely read.But best of all, The Bowery Boys' book captures the light and joyful spirit of their podcast from the very first story about Straus Square, which weaves interesting history with the contemporary setting and spices it up with fun personal insights and stories.I don't live in the city, but visit a lot, and I'll be carrying "Adventures in Old New York" with me. (Given its 500 pages, probably for many years to come.) The book has already helped me understand and appreciate places I've passed many times before without giving them much thought. My only hope is that the publisher will release an e-book as well. Because while I'd not give any of those 500 pages back, my iPhone is definitely a whole lot lighter.

I only wish I'd read this while I still lived in New York! I had a wonderful time learning about the different neighborhoods in New York with this well organized and attractive book. I experienced the book and the podcast in reverse order--I'd heard the podcast recommended to me, but am just now starting to check it out. I think the book is much more up my alley because I can use it as I visit New York again in the near future, and flip to the section with the neighborhood I'm in. I think this book would be a great addition to the bookshelf of anyone newly relocating in NYC, whether from out of town or from another neighborhood. I also think it would be great for anyone interested in Hamilton the musical, because both have such a strong basis in New York history. Definitely glad I picked this up!

Author Gregory Young make an impressive debut with this excellently researched and crafted history of the darker side of New York. These are not tales one can simply pull from other text books. The depth the book goes went far and beyond my expectations. I now view my city with an entirely new vantage and intrigue. Top recommendations for New Yorkers, history buffs, and future tourists.

Great book with a lot of research. If you are a fan of the podcast you'll really want this book. The only issue (mentioned by others) is the Kindle version using the iPad kindle app is terrible. The photos have the text over them making the text impossible to read and the picture impossible to see because of the text. You would think that they would test this out or at least fix it knowing that everyone has the same problems. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of more is the issues with the text/photos.

I recently started listening to the podcast the Bowery Boys, and really enjoy listening to them. They mentioned the release of their new book and I decided to buy it, because I thought if it’s anything like the podcast I knew I would like it.This book covers all of the different neighborhoods in Manhattan. I love all the history of New York in each area. The book flows easily and is very enjoyable to read, it like the guys are talking to you like in the podcast.I love the point of interest “stand here” it’s would be just mind boggling to stand there and look around and think about all the history that just passed by.The next time I go to New York I will take this book as a sight-seeing guide, just like a Rick Steve’s tour guide books. I highly recommend if you enjoy history or planning to head out to New York.

This book is like taking a walking tour of NYC. Divided into sections of NY so you can easily follow a section of the city. Points of interest , history, what more can you ask for? I bought 2 books one for me and one for my sister. Even my cats sit with me as I read it aloud to them. Yes, I'm a crazy cat lady. Lol! But seriously , this book is interesting and reads like you are listening to there podcast. And if you don't have those already, what are you waiting for?

Informative, intriguing, and a bit humorous, this is a great book that stands on its own! I was thrilled to learn The Bowery Boys were writing a book, but was a bit skeptical they would be able to recreate the magic of the their podcast in book form. They succeeded. This is like a tour guide to the New York that used to be, the foundation the present city is built upon. Read this book if you're looking for that feeling the city instills in those who truly love her

Still reading it, but so far so good. It'll be a great reference book to use when visiting NYC or to brush up on various aspects and historical places in the city.

The item was delivered on time, perfect quality, keep up with the good job guys

Great book, but it is unlike the podcasts in that it is more factual, the humour and passion is somewhat diluted. More of a run of the mill potted of the city history area by area, but still a good one at that.I won't let it detract from the stars, but it is a shame so many of the numerous, extremely high quality pictures overlap very badly with the text, making a fair portion of the words difficult / impossible to read. Hopefully this will be corrected given time.

Great book with interesting insight to NYC. Perfect book for those travelling to New York and wanting a little more info.

Absolutely fabulous book, if you are lucky enough to live there, then it will surprise you how much is going on around your feet that you didn't know off.If you are a tourist or lover of New York then this is essential reading with Google Maps to situate the reader.Brilliantly written full of information it is highly recommended, as are their podcasts