The stars are the ratings by Amazon.com readers (1-5 stars). When Amazon stars are not available, I have often provided personal commentary.

Alice's World: The Life & Photography of an American Original, Alice Austen, 1866-1952
Novotny / Devin-Adair
Personal history plus wonderful photographs of old New York and Staten Island by one of America’s first female photographers.

Staten Island: 1524-1898
Steinmeyer / Staten Island Historical Society
This important work from the Staten Island Historical Society chronicles the Island's history from colonization through the turn of the century. Has pullout sheet on Staten Island architecture that may prove useful. Out of print and may be difficult to obtain.

Staten Island: Gateway to New York
Smith / Chilton
One of the few overview texts written about the history of Staten Island.

Community, Continuity, and Change: New Perspectives on Staten Island History
Lacerra / Pace University
Varied topical essays relating to religious, economic, social, and cultural histories of Staten Island such as the history of the black church, 19th century Staten Island industries, and the influence of Staten Island in the designs of noted resident Frederick Law Olmsted.

Sailors' Snug Harbor
Shepherd / Furthermore Press
Quality book, but out of print. May be difficult to find.

Sailors' Snug Harbor: A History, 1801-2001
Barry / Fordham University
An overview of the history of Sailors’ Snug Harbor from its days as a retirement home for “aged and decrepit sailors” to its current use as one of the fastest-growing arts centers in New York City.

Sandy Ground Memories
Mosley / Staten Island Historical Society
By 1850, the African American community of Sandy Ground was established on Staten Island. This neighborhood, relatively poor and segregated - yet energetic and self-reliant, was typical of such African American neighborhoods which survived until the 1960s throughout the United States. The author, a sixth-generation native of Sandy Ground, recounts her family and community history. The book includes images of local residents and photographs of nearly all of Sandy Ground's houses and public buildings. This unusual book is available through the Staten Island Historical Society, 444 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, New York, 10306. (718) 351-1611

AIA Architectural Guide to Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Long Island
American Institute of Architects & Society for Preservation of Long Island Antiquities / Dover
A quality guide that includes black and white images and straightforward commentary.

Long Island Country Houses & Their Architects, 1860-1940
MacKay, Baker & Traynor /W.W. Norton
A impressive guide to history and design of the country houses of some of America's richest families. A pricey, but magnificent book. A valuable resource for anyone focusing on the mansions and estates of Long Island’s “Gatsby Era.”

The Mansions of Long Island's Gold Coast
Randall / Rizzoli
Less expensive than Long Island Country Houses & Their Architects, but nowhere near as detailed or well-researched. This book will provide pleasure for those who are looking for a general overview. Importantly, author Monica Randall truly loves her subject, which she conveys in her writing.

Great Houses of the Hudson River
Dwyer / Bullfinch
Well illustrated book and commentary featuring America’s most magnificent 19th century country houses – located along the Hudson River Valley.

Hudson River Villas
Zukowsky / Rizzoli
I have never seen a more enticing or exquisite book on the Mansions of the Hudson River Valley. This book deserves to be reprinted. Stunning images and excellent commentary. A stellar book!

Lawrence Park: Bronxville's Turn-of-the-Century Art Colony
Hoagland / Fordham
This book is a bit disjointed, but that to the side, it is full of wonderful information. Besides, to my knowledge, it is the only major text written about this fascinating planned community of artistic houses with integral studios.

The Traveler's Guide to the Hudson River Valley : From Saratoga Springs to New York City
Mulligan / Random House
Insightful observations and an easy to use book. A good planning resource.

American Architecture: Westchester County, New York: Colonial to Contemporary
Sanchis / North River Press
Well-researched information on the homes and public structures of Westchester County. Author Frank Sanchis is now Director of New York’s prestigious Municipal Art Society.

Hippocrene USA Guide to West Point and the Hudson Valley
Heinbach & Kohlhagen / Hippocrene
Good guidebook to the Hudson River Valley houses and landmarks, including the West Point campus.

Big Apple Almanac
Reynolds / Red Rose Studio
New York tales and legends via a comic book format. Remarkably good content with well researched tales. This book is a lot of fun!

The City & the Theatre
Mary C. Henderson / Preston
Excellent guide to the history of stage production in New York City. I cannot think of a better book on the subject. Highly recommended.

Designs Underfoot: The Art of Manhole Covers in New York City
Silver / Houghton Mifflin
The “Manhole Cover Lady,” Diana Stuart, includes historic information and 300 photographs, documenting the artistic aspects of these utilitarian mainstays of city life.

Hidden New York: A Guide to Places That Matter
Reaven & Zeitlin / Rivergate Books
What a wonderful treasure trove of unusual and offbeat cultural sites....the kind that make New York such a special place! From the Magic Table at the Edison Hotel to the Russian & Turkish Baths on 10th Street; from the delightful Hua Mei Song Bird Garden near Chinatown to Astoria’s Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden; from the Arthur Avenue Market in Belmont to the Lemon Ice King of Corona..... This book glorifies the humanity of the New York City and its panoply of cultural treasures!

Lost New York
Silver / Houghton Mifflin
Classic and often haunting photographs of New York buildings no longer extant. Simultaneously uplifting and chastening.

My Ears are Bent
Mitchell / Pantheon
More remarkable human and humane New York stories by one of the consummate writers of the New Yorker magazine.

New York Firsts
Henry Moscow / Syracuse University
Entertaining and informative tales of “firsts” of New York City. Who knew?

The Other Islands of New York City
Seltz & Miller / Countryman
A thorough and well-researched book on the many islands included in the New York City archipelago.

Sacred Havens: A Guide to Spiritual Places in Manhattan
Cook / Herder & Herder
A thoughtful and sensitive collection of religious and spiritual sites in Manhattan with clear commentary and good general information. A good walking guide.

The Street Book: An Encyclopedia of Manhattan's Street Names and Their Origins
Moscow / Fordham
Succinct and well-written book with handsome illustrations and delightful stories. A pleasure to read.

The Tastemakers: The Shaping of American Popular Taste
Lynes / Universal Library
I consider this to be one of the most valuable books in my library. A magnificent and exceptionally readable history of American popular taste in art, architecture, and interior decoration, with short sketches of the men and women responsible for major American trends. Extremely helpful in understanding the development of New York City and its numerous roles in American taste.

To Marry an English Lord
MacColl & Wallace / Workman
Singularly the finest “how to” book every published. Fascinating accounts of 19th Century American heiresses in their quest for European aristocratic titles. Knowledgeable, funny, titillating, and full of gossipy details. Lavishly illustrated. Great book and a must for anyone who wants to understand 19th Century American “Society” (and maybe even marry into European aristocracy).

Up in the Old Hotel
Mitchell / Pantheon
A loving collection of some of the Joseph Mitchell’s finest works. The tales compassionately evoke great poetry, grace, and beauty in the lives of ordinary people — from the “secret” of Greenwich Village character Joe Gould, to tales of the “regulars” at McSorley’s Saloon, to the gentle eloquence of Mr. Hunter, the caretaker of New York’s first free-black cemetery. Savor this book.