Tenements, Towers and Trash An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City
Tenements, Towers and Trash: An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City by Julia Wertz is set to be published by Running Press on May 6, 2025. This 288-page book presents a humorous and illustrated exploration of New York City, focusing on its lesser-known aspects rather than the typical tourist attractions. Through her unique cartoon style, Wertz delves into the city’s history, revealing intriguing stories and hidden gems that contribute to its character.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of narratives that cover various elements of urban life, from the quirky history of local establishments to the forgotten tales of the city’s past. The book includes streetscapes that juxtapose the past and present, alongside anecdotes about unique locations such as Kim’s Video and Ray’s Pizza. With a blend of history and humor, Tenements, Towers and Trash offers an engaging look at the complexities of New York City, making it a distinctive addition to the genres of history and graphic novels.
Official synopsis Publisher
An acclaimed cartoonist presents New York City as you’ve never seen it before, with a side-splittingly funny illustrated history of the blocks, the buildings, the guts, and the little known charms (and horrors) of the greatest city in the world.
In Tenements, Towers & Trash, Julia Wertz takes us behind, underneath, around, and into the New York that you think you know. Not the tourist’s New York (the Statue of Liberty makes a brief appearance and the Empire State Building not at all), but the underbelly of the city that never sleeps. With drawings and comics in her signature style, Wertz regales us with streetscapes “Then and Now” and little-known tales, such as the lost history of Kim’s Video, the complicated and unresolved business of Ray’s Pizza, the vintage trash and horse bones that litter the shore of Brooklyn’s Bottle Beach, the ludicrous pinball prohibition, Staten Island’s secret abandoned boatyard, and the hair-raising legend of the infamous abortionist of Fifth Avenue, Madame Restell.
From bars, bakeries, and bookstores to food carts, street cleaners, and apartments both cramped and grand, Tenements, Towers & Trash is a wild ride in a time machine taxi from the present day city to bygone days of yore.
**A New York Times Notable Book of the Year**
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Tenements, Towers and Trash An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City” about?
Who is the author of “Tenements, Towers and Trash An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City”?
When was “Tenements, Towers and Trash An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City” published?
What is the ISBN for “Tenements, Towers and Trash An Unconventional Illustrated History of New York City”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
