Review: Abandoned NYC by Will Ellis

Title: Abandoned NYC
Author: Will Ellis
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: February 28th 2015
Source: Schiffer Publishing


Book Description via Goodreads:

Every city has its ghosts. From Manhattan and Brooklyn s trendiest neighborhoods to the far-flung edges of the outer boroughs, Ellis captures the lost and lonely corners of the United States most populous city. Step inside the New York you never knew, with 200 eerie images of urban decay, through crumbling institutions, defunct military posts, abandoned factories, railroads, schools, and waterways. Uncover the forgotten history behind New York s most incredible abandoned spaces, and witness its seldom seen and rapidly disappearing landscape. Explore the ruins of the Harlem Renaissance, sift through the artifacts of massive squatter colonies, and find out how the past is literally washing up on the shores of a Brooklyn beach called Dead Horse Bay. This book is for anyone who s ever wondered what s behind the "No Trespassing" sign."

Review:

★★★★

This book is equal parts fascinating, informative, and chilling.

Abandoned NYC is a book that explores the urban decay of New York. From asylums to military buildings to so much more, the photography in this book highlights places that remain in the shadow of their glory days. The pictures are beautiful and sad at the same time. The photos show places that most people will never see, such as the inside of abandoned mental institutions. It's a shame to look at the wasted resources, and the graffiti that plagues a lot of these sights, but it's sad and beautiful to see how nature is trying to claim these places back. It gives a cool insight into the history of NYC.

In addition to being filled with gorgeous photography, there's also historical backgrounds for each of the places visited over the course of the book. It details what the buildings were used for, who stayed there, and why they became abandoned in the first place. I didn't know about any of these places, and it was really cool to learn about them.

The book starts with a disclaimer not to try visiting places like these, because they are extremely dangerous and often illegal. I completely agree, having done some exploring in my own region in the midwest.

This is a book that I think those interested in photography, anthropology, and history will enjoy flipping through. There's plenty of pictures showcasing the visited landmarks with matching text to further explain what is being seen in the photo, as well as the history behind it.

I recieved a copy in exchange for my honest review.