This is a book about architecture for those who don't read books about architecture. Specifically, it's about Gotham-Metropolis...Manhattan, New York. The Island City.

Javier Rencoret really started this as his Master's thesis, and it evolved into something that makes you view buildings in an entirely different way. For one thing, he opened my eyes to the entire layout of Manhattan, explaining the history of the City from the Dutch (New Amsterdam) to the English (New York). Manhattan was conceived on a grid, with the emphasis on rectangular lots. Why rectangles? Well, because lots in the shapes of rectangles are perfect for straight-sided houses...and straight-sided homes were cheap to build. Thus, the master plan for the island began, conceivably with no idea for how that plan would create America's most dynamic city.

Before I have you thinking this book is full of words, let me set everyone straight (or rectangular), because the author provides his master drawings for how he would enhance the New York skyline with some amazing ideas. How about a vertical sports facility that would have a golf course on the 30th floor? Or bridges that turn into airplane runways, then back to bridges? Or a skyscraper with Soviet-inspired emptiness? Rencoret's imagination runs free and makes page-turning hard...I had to count slowly while reading so I wouldn't rush to the next page, so excited was I to see his next incredible idea.

The author's love of his city comes through with every word and every picture. My next trip there will now force me to the Empire State Building, so I may look with fresh eyes upon the City of Gridlines. A Metropolis of Magic. The book was written before the fall of the Twin Towers, but after reading this, I realize that nothing can really stop New York, New York. It will continue to evolve from any hurt and grow stronger.

As Rencoret states, "...despite this blow to its spirit, New York City is still the loudest voice in the Americas". Amen. ( )