Underneath New York

by Harry Granick

Book Overview

Everyone wonders what goes on down a manhole. This book explores the mysteries beneath New York City's streets, telling the story of hidden pipes and cables and how they are kept in order. It might be called a Sidewalk Superintendent's Guide, but it is much more than that. It is a vivid account of a city in action.

The author received the generous cooperation of the engineering personnel of the public utilities and the municipal departments...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823213129
• ISBN13: 9780823213122
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Fordham University Press
• Length: 211 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Pretty dated, but still interesting.

I think there is an opportunity for someone to write a modern account of what you would find underground in New York City and how and when it got there. The concept itself is fascinating that there is a whole separate city below the city that most of us will never see. That said, Granick's account of the world beneath New York is definitely interesting, but it could go deeper (pun intended) into detail and is really in dire need of an update. If the idea of learning about the literal underworld of New York City is interesting to you, this is the best book I've come across.

A probably still current view of what's below ground in NYC.

My late father, Philip W. May, did the illustrations in this book app. 1946-47. Having worked in New York City for 20 years, more recently, and viewed how little the city puts into its infrastructure, I would imagine the book is probably still a very accurate view of the complicated web of wires, pipes, subways, etc. that weave below the streets. The book was contemporary when it came out, and more than likely still is to a great extent. It is also good history of how it all was done.