“An urban anthropological biography of seven Upper West Side buildings [that] provides an inviting window on New York’s variety and vibrancy.” —The New York Times
“Wakin’s aim is to find the hidden lives in these stalwart buildings of New York’s Upper West Side, but it is he who breathes life into them in this wonderful reverie of a book. All city streets should have such history; and all micro-histories – peopled with Runyan-esque gangsters, early biotech adventurers, and unscrupulous society folk – should have a chronicler the likes of Wakin to lend them the breadth, insight, and vitality that you will find on each and every page.” —Jonathan Rabb, author, “Among the Living”
“Wakin is an excellent storyteller. … While you understand that this book is about a few buildings, it also feels inescapably like a larger story about New York.” — Alexander Aciman, The Tablet
“A riveting true crime story that also unlocks the doors of some of New York’s most evocative characters of the last century. A great read for anyone interested in the secrets of the city.” — Michael Gross, editor, Avenue Magazine, and author, “740 Park: The Story of the World’s RIchest Apartment Building”
A wonderful writer and terrific reporter, Daniel Wakin brings alive the many tales of a single city block, taking us on journey back to a vanished New York —
Michael Shapiro
author, “The Last Good Season” and “Bottom of the Ninth”
“Wow! Who knew?” — Jack Ford, Channel 13
Daniel J. Wakin 