Manhattan Architecture

The New York cityscape is notorious for its lack of the grace, tradition and stylistic unity that make many European cities so appealing. But then, Manhattan is equally well-known for its high energy, its secure position in the vanguard of architectural development and its masterworks that, for many, have come to symbolize the 20th century. Celebrating this vigorous jumble, this handsome book of color photographs juxtaposes images much as they exist in their environmenta decorative cupola set against an austere tower, a dimly lit baroque interior followed by a geometric angling of midtown office buildings. Berenholtz's camera ranges from hotels, museums, churches and synagogues to skyscrapers old and new. He devotes separate chapters to such classics as the Chrysler, Empire State, Lever and Woolworth buildings. Other sections focus on the city's detailsits rooftops, clocks, murals and gargoyles. Supporting the visual presentation is a thoughtful, informative text by art historian Reynolds. The result is a fitting tribute to a city where, sometimes, chaos does work and whose frenetic energy can become its own kind of grace. (Oct.)