New York's new edge : contemporary art, the High Line, and urban megaprojects on the far West Side /

This hefty tome will surely pique the interest of anyone who fancies art, the urban, or how the two come together in the City That Never Sleeps. The far West Side of Manhattan is the main focus here, especially the dominant and vital presence of the Chelsea art district. As specific as this subject may appear at first glance, intrepid readers will nevertheless be treated to a wide variety of topics that intersect with the artistry in/of this particular geographic area. The influence of Jane Jacobs, megaprojects, and preservation are just a few examples of the items on offer here. The authors have done a marvelous job of weaving together their respective specialties--sociology for Halle (UCLA) and art history for Tiso--to produce a text that gives ample consideration to the present as well as to the historical development of a particular slice of the Big Apple. This is a fantastic example of collaboration and interdisciplinarity, and the authors have clearly penned a thoroughly engaging text that ought to have broad appeal to scholars, activists, and avid readers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. --Patrick Gamsby, Brandeis University