Here's a perfect example of a book that has strayed far afield. It is titled, King's Handbook of New York City and contains a wealth of knowledge about buildings in the big apple c. 1892.
I don't know about you, but if I lived in NY, I'd want this book. Can't you picture yourself wandering the streets looking for the buildings described in it to see if they still exist?
There are aerial-view pictures in every direction, from "the 'World' dome," and I want to know if that dome still exists?
The book contains information about such things as the police and fire departments. FYI, there were 3,654 police officers and 1,400 firefighters when the book was written.
There's a picture of the Fulton Ferry building, at the foot of Fulton Street, East River. Is that structure with its many arches still standing? Certainly not with the street car out front pictured in the book.
The book even has little bevels around the edges of its covers; they are called beveled boards, dating back to when books had actual wooden boards under their cloth or leather wraps.
Anyway, the poor wayward thing now lives a forlorn life in California nestled between a book of children's singing games and one honoring Henry Stanley, the explorer who found Dr. Lingingstone (I presume).
King's Handbook of New York City needs a home on the east coast. Don't you agree? If someone you know would love this book and could give it a proper home, send them to my eBay store via the link below. And tell them I will entertain offers.
Until next time,
Katherine A Porter