Coney Island

By Harvey Stein

Book Overview

Referred to as the "Sodom by the Sea" by the New York Times in 1894, this most famed amusement complex was a twenty-block mecca for rollercoasters, side shows, carnival acts of all kinds, and food without end. Home of Famous Nathan's Hot Dogs, a lively boardwalk, and a white sand beach that at times was so filled you couldn't lie down, Coney Island was the summer destination for generations of city dwellers who couldn't afford the Catskills or the Hamptons.

Today, Coney Island remains a vivid living reminder of the past and still attracts sun worshipers and thrill seekers. It has been the favorite subject of photographers for decades. And all who know or ever knew it will rejoice in this book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393317870
• ISBN13: 9780393317879
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.5" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great photos - full of feeling

I love this book for the way it captures the feeling of the place. While it is not full of text about Coney Island, it is full of visual and emotional information. I am an ex-New Yorker and have a few books I turn to when I feel homesick, this is one of them.

Harvey in Color???

Having been a student of his sometime ago, I am a little surprise he did a color essay on this book. Also having recorded some of the same subjects and elements from this book on film both in color and black and white, I have to say it can go either way. Color shows the 'fun' of the subjects and objects, black and white, more substance. I did wish he also include some of his black and white work in the book to add strength to the vibrant. As a photo essay,which this book is, it will draw people to the place which in the last decade or so got a bum rap for being only sleazy, which it still is(the transit authorities could help by renovating the big but dank subway station, the mayor could make this place more than a 'summer' playground) but also fun and vibrant. For those readers who seek a 'history' book on this subject, they will have to look elsewhere, Harvey is a documentative 'street' photographer and that is where his heart is, and it shows successfully in this book. Welcome to the world of color, Harvey, but don't neglect your roots.....

Objective and enjoyable look at an American enigma.

I own all three of Mr. Stein's books and "Coney Island is the most refreshing. "Coney Island" is a remarkable balance of people, landscapes and Mr. Stein's signature, casual environmental portraiture. This one I'll go back to for years.