Broadway

A History of New York City in Thirteen Miles

By: Fran Leadon

Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau

Broadway takes us on a mile-by-mile journey that traces the gradual evolution of the 17th century's Brede Wegh, a muddy cow path in a backwater Dutch settlement, to the 20th century's Great White Way. We learn why one side of the street was once considered more fashionable than the other; witness construction of the Ansonia Apartments, Trinity Church, and the Flatiron Building and the burning of P. T. Barnum's American Museum; and discover that Columbia University was built on the site of an insane asylum.

Along the way we meet Alexander Hamilton, Edgar Allan Poe, John James Audubon, Emma Goldman, "Bill the Butcher" Poole, "Texas" Guinan, and the assorted real estate speculators, impresarios, and politicians who helped turn Broadway into a living paradigm of American progress, at its best and worst. Broadway tells the vivid story of what is arguably the world's most famous thoroughfare.

©2018 Fran Leadon (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Another reason to love NYC.

This fascinating book covers the most fascinating stretch of land on the planet. An amazing account of not only New York history, but also a significant part of American history.

Old History

Lots of history for a New Yorker who is fascinated by old buildings and the past.

Give My Regards To Broadway!

Wow! I grew up in NYC and learned a bit about the history of NYC but this is the mother lode as far as Broadway is concerned. There is so much history that relates to the main street of NYC. The book divides Broadway into approximate miles and each section is chock full of fascinating history and a wealth of anecdotes about the famous and "near" famous. The history of each mile comes right up to the present day. Kevin Pariseau is excellent as narrator. The book will leave you wondering how Fran Leadon found so much information and put it together in such an entertaining way.

Fantastic!

Sometimes I find a book and think, “That idea is brilliant. How did no one think of it earlier?” This is the paradigmatic example. The author tells the history of Broadway in 13 parts— one for each of its miles in Manhattan.

The product is worthy of the idea. I adored it. Though I have lived in or near NYC for most of my life, I learned something almost every minute.

Moreover, the narrator is absolutely perfect. Gosh, I wish that I had his voice. And with the “Plus Catalog,” the price is perfect!

Informative, Entertaining, Fascinating

I loved this book so much I want to start it over and do it again (and I will). I can only hope the author does more like this. Not your typical history book, this one is full of stories and imagery that transport you to another era.