| Old Penn Station |  | Author: William Low
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy New: $3.36
as of 9/10/2010 10:42 CDT details
You Save: $13.59 (80%)
New (23) Used (17) from $0.59
Seller: qbqoqbqshark2
Rating:  15 reviews
Sales Rank: 565,935
Media: Hardcover
Edition: First Edition
Pages: 40
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 12.1 x 9.4 x 0.5
ISBN: 0805079254
Dewey Decimal Number: 385.314097471
EAN: 9780805079258
ASIN: 0805079254
Publication Date: April 3, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
A beautiful tribute to the glory of the original Pennsylvania Railroad Station
During the first half of the 20th century, the original Pennsylvania Station was one of New York City's grandest landmarks, a palace in the middle of Manhattan. William Low's glorious illustrations pay close attention to detail while still encompassing the large-scale grandeur of Penn Station. Old Penn Station follows a very specific piece of New York City history, but it's not just a New York book. The author's research carefully addresses the whole history of the building, from construction to destruction, ending with an acknowledgment of its lasting legacy in terms of historical preservation. Spaces can be powerful, and Old Penn Station honors one particular powerful space which is sure to engender discussion about other historical buildings and monuments all across the nation.
This is a classic, beautiful book for history lovers, train lovers, and art lovers alike.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 15
 Old Penn Station Inspires Children! March 27, 2009
W. G. Todd (Secane, PA USA)
As a teacher, I had to have this book. As a small child, one of my earliest memories is getting off the train to view the Pennsylvania Railroad's Manhattan palace. At the time, it had less than a year to stand. I remember that I could not stop looking up, and I knew before anything else happened that New York City was a very special place. I didn't return to Penn Station until the 1980's, and had somehow not heard of the great station's demise. I was heartbroken to say the least. This book brings back the station's grandeur like none other that I have seen. The color is brought back to a place that I have seen only black and white photographs of. The language in the text makes kids feel like they are there. they were horrified to hear that such a beautiful building was torn down. They were disappointed to hear what had taken its place. In a time that promotes the new and the sensational, they now understand that some old things are worth saving. To me, it is obvious the goal set by the author/illustrator in creating this book has most certainly been achieved. My students will remember this book and its message.
My Sons' Favorite December 9, 2008
ReadingMom (Rhode Island)
I bought this book over a year ago for no other reason than my boys love trains. We've read it at least twice a week ever since. The artwork is beautiful--my little one loves the construction workers on the front end paper and the demolition workers at the end. We've used the book to discuss everything from construction techniques (builders throwing hot rivets!) to still-standing landmarks like Grand Central Station to how books are illustrated, and when we drive through NJ, I point out (roughly) where the rubble was dumped. It's too bad some people gave it a bad review simply because they didn't notice it was a children's book before they bought it. It will teach your kids to respect and protect things that are old and beautiful and get them interested in history.
An Important Story Worth Knowing July 14, 2008
Pentagron (Sacramento, CA USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
My 7-year-old son and I both enjoy this book. It tells the simple, but poignent story of the destruction of the grand old Pennsylvania station in New York, by a world entralled with the automobile and unable to see a future in passenger train travel. With today's $4.00/gallon gas prices, the shortsightedness is all too apparent. I have often marveled at how plain and uninviting (and difficult to access) the current Penn Station is. Well, this is the story why. My son is a big fan of trains and he enjoys the beautiful illustrations. This book is not on the usual lists of great, prize winning children's books, but it should be.
For special insight into this book and its wonderful illustrations, see:
[...]
 History Lesson December 29, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I bought this book for my 5 year old son, so that I could read to him while he looked at the pictures. Unusual in that a children's book deplicts an event of destruction by short sighted people, that took place 40 years ago. I walked up into Penn Station after debarking a LIRR train in 1958 when I was 5 years old. Seeing the huge skylight, I new I had arrived at someplace special. My 5 year old son recently did the same, however it is nothing more than a underground catacomb today, and you cannot recapture the excitement of old Penn Station.
Grandeur Revisited December 20, 2007
Andy J. Smith (North Shore, MA)
William Low masterfully uses mixed media (oil and digital) to illuminate the grandeur of New York's bygone Pennsylvania Station of the early 20th century. Most readers will never have been there in that time, but reading and EXPERIENCING this book will place the reader there. The visuals are so evocative that they invite the creative will of the other four senses to play along. Part of the book's power is that the real thing can no longer be witnessed. But this book makes a wonderful alternative. Small historical inaccuracies (the statues' are carved from marble, not granite) are moot in comparison to the overall effect the book will leave on your imagination.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 15
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Copyright 2009 - RailroadBookstore.com | |
