New York Bars at Dawn
Daniel Root's hauntingly stunning photographs capture the quiet, intimate moments of New York's bar scene as it transitions from the energy of the day into the stillness of dawn. By venturing out before sunrise, Root unveils a city that feels both familiar and unfamiliar, its streets bathed in soft light and shadow. The images focus on the forgotten details of these spaces-faded signage, dusty countertops, and the lingering glow of neon-revealing a world where the last traces of human activity are still present. This collection invites viewers to witness the raw, unfiltered essence of urban nightlife, where the atmosphere carries a subtle weight of memory and melancholy, offering a fresh viewpoint on the city's cultural heartbeat.
Root's work transcends mere documentation, blending artistry with authenticity to highlight the unique character of each establishment. Whether it's a well-known landmark or a hidden corner of the city, these photos evoke the stories and quirks that define a bar's soul. The inclusion of a foreword by Rosie Schaap and an afterword by art historian Suzaan Boettger adds layers of insight, connecting the visual narrative to broader themes of personality, history, and urban aesthetics.The 200 full-color images are a feast for the eyes, presenting a curated selection of venues that reflect the diversity of New York's night culture, from bustling sports bars to intimate speakeasies, all framed in a way that feels both personal and universal.
- Pros
- Unique time-of-day photography offers a fresh lens on urban environments
- Variety of venues from iconic spots to lesser-known dives provides broad appeal
- Expert commentary enriches understanding of bar culture and visual storytelling
- High-quality full-color illustrations ensure lasting visual impact
- Thoughtful design and physical dimensions enhance the book's tactile experience
- Cons
- Limited to a single perspective (bars at closing time) may miss other aspects
- Some venues might feel overly commercialized in their presentation
- Potentially niche audience might limit widespread appeal
ISBN-10 | 0789214776 |
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ISBN-13 | 978-0789214775 |
Publication Date | October 31, 2023 |
Pages | 224 |
Dimensions | 10.2 x 1 x 10.2 inches |
Around the World in 80 Cocktails
Embark on a flavorful journey across continents with a curated collection of 80 legendary cocktails, each rooted in a unique cultural or historical context. Through vivid storytelling, bartender and writer Chad Parkhill unveils the untold tales behind these drinks-how a military backdrop inspired the Venetian Spritz, or how a French wine region transformed sorrow into party with the Kir. The book blends easy-to-follow recipes with rich narratives, making it a perfect companion for curious drinkers and travel enthusiasts alike. With its emphasis on how cocktails evolved alongside human exploration and tradition,it's more than a recipe book; it's a window into the interconnected stories of places,people,and libations that have shaped global drinking culture.
Each entry is accompanied by striking vintage-style illustrations that transport readers to the eras and locations where these cocktails originated, adding a tactile sense of adventure. The inclusion of lesser-known anecdotes-like the surprising origins of the G&T or the twist on the Manhattan's history-ensures every page offers new discoveries. Whether you're learning about the evolution of the Martini or the role of startenders in 19th-century bars, this book invites you to mix education with enjoyment.Its compact size and accessible language make it ideal for on-the-go reading,while the detailed recipes empower you to recreate these iconic drinks at home with confidence.
- Pros:
- 80 diverse cocktails with rich historical context
- Vintage illustrations enhance visual storytelling
- Recipes are easy to follow and globally inspired
- packed with quirky trivia about famous figures and drinks
- Cons:
- Limited to 80 drinks, may not suit niche interests
- Illustrations are stylized, might not appeal to all aesthetics
- Some factual claims (e.g., Churchill's mother) may spark debate
Feature | Detail |
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Publisher | Hardie Grant Books |
Publication Date | October 3, 2017 |
Edition | Illustrated |
Language | english |
Print Length | 192 pages |
ISBN-10 | 1741175186 |
Dimensions | 6.1 x 0.85 x 7.55 inches |
Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
Store Front NYC: Photographs of the City's Independent Shops, Past and present
This collection of photographs serves as both a nostalgic journey and a visual record of New York City's enduring street life. James and Karla Murray's decades-long dedication to capturing small shops-many now vanished-offers readers a unique perspective on the city's evolving identity. From once-iconic storefronts to beloved local businesses still standing, the images celebrate the resilience of urban culture and the stories behind them. Each photo is accompanied by precise details like location,neighborhood,and year,making the book a valuable resource for those curious about NYC's architectural and commercial past. The large, vibrant format and rich color palette enhance the experience, allowing the charm of these spaces to shine through.
Organized by the city's five boroughs, the book blends historical reverence with modern exploration, offering a layered understanding of NYC's diversity. The inclusion of descriptions, maps, and never-before-published work ensures that both longtime residents and newcomers can connect with the authenticity of these places. It functions as a guidebook, inviting readers to discover hidden gems, while also acting as a heartfelt tribute to the impermanence of urban landscapes.The Murrays' personal insights in the introduction provide context for their mission, adding depth to the visual narrative and reinforcing the book's role as a cultural artifact.
- Pros
- High-quality reproductions of iconic and rare NYC storefronts
- Detailed captions with locations, neighborhoods, and years
- Thorough coverage of all five boroughs with maps and context
- Combines educational value with artistic appreciation
- Cons
- Hefty weight and size may limit portability
- Limited depth on the history of individual stores
- Higher price point for a niche subject
- Some locations may have changed since the photos were taken
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Format | Large, 12.13 x 10.31 inch pages |
content | Combines curated photos with maps and descriptions |
Features | Glorious color reproductions, affectionate detail, and historic context |
Edition | Updated with new images and reprints from past works |
Publisher | Prestel |
Dirty: A Dive Bar Novel
When Vaughan Hewson returns to his childhood home,he's thrust into a whirlwind of betrayal and unexpected emotional turbulence. A broken-hearted bride, still in her wedding attire, finds herself in his bathroom-a moment that challenges everything he thought he knew about love, loyalty, and the people he trusted most. The story unfolds with raw realism,capturing the chaos of a life upended by secrets and the complexity of human relationships.As Lydia Green navigates her own heartbreak, the narrative delves into the quiet strength of resilience and the search for connection in a world that often feels disconnected. Their dynamic, full of tension and uncharted possibilities, mirrors the unpredictability of real-life choices, making the experience feel both intimate and universally relatable.
Lydia's journey is one of reinvention, as she moves away from the polished expectations of a "mr. Right" to embrace the risk of a "Mr.Right Now." This former musician-turned-bartender, with his rugged charm and unvarnished perspective, offers a refreshing contrast to the idealized romances she once sought. The story blends emotional vulnerability with moments of levity, grounding its drama in the everyday authenticity of small-town life and the weight of personal decisions.readers will find themselves drawn into the narrative's rhythm, where every conversation and conflict feels lived-in and meaningful, creating a sense of immediacy that lingers long after the story ends.
- Pros
- Compelling character-driven narrative with emotional depth
- Relatable exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption
- Distinctive setting that adds texture to the story
- Dynamic pacing that balances drama with quiet introspection
- Cons
- Intense plot elements may not appeal to all readers
- Focus on personal conflict could feel overwrought for some
- Limited emphasis on resolution of external conflicts
- Themes centered on adult relationships may lack broader appeal
Genre | Author | Series | Theme |
---|---|---|---|
Romance/Drama | Kylie Scott | Dive Bar Series | Realism, emotional growth, small-town life |
Not For Tourists Guide to Los Angeles 2025
Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of the Hollywood Bowl or cruising the lively Sunset Strip, this guide serves as your ultimate companion for navigating Los Angeles. Designed with a map-based approach, it breaks down the city into 57 distinct neighborhoods, each meticulously detailed with user-friendly icons that highlight essential services, entertainment venues, and hidden gems. Its comprehensive coverage ensures you'll never be lost, whether you're seeking a scenic beach nearby, a trusted spot for 24-hour services, or a convenient location for a sports outing. This resource is tailored to help both locals and visitors make the most of their time in LA, offering practical insights that simplify city life.
Beyond just maps, the guide extends its reach to include a foldout highway map for at-a-glance city navigation, over 150 detailed neighborhood and city maps for deep exploration, and specialized listings like TV and movie studio locations for fans of the entertainment industry. It's also packed with information on top shopping destinations, from boutiques for an Oscars gown to everyday essentials like supermarkets, cafés, and gas stations. Whether you're planning a day out or need last-minute directions, this guide delivers the convenience of knowing exactly where to go and how to get there, blending thorough research with a welcoming, accessible format that caters to all lifestyles.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Neighborhood-Focused Structure
- User-Friendly Icons
- Extra-Long Maps
Cons:
- Language Restriction
- Size and Weight
- Niche Locations
Publication Date | Language | Print Length | ISBN-10 | ISBN-13 | Item Weight | Dimensions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
October 1,2024 | English | 384 pages | 1510781072 | 978-1510781078 | 1.25 pounds | 6.56 x 0.6 x 8.94 inches |
Transform Your World
From secret speakeasies to global cocktail traditions, these travel guides reveal how culture, history, and hidden corners shape the drinks we love. Whether uncovering LA's neighborhood gems, New York's pre-dawn bar scenes, or dive bar tales from around the world, each book offers a unique lens into the intersection of place and libation. For travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and the stories behind their favorite cocktails, these guides are essential companions to any journey.

not For Tourists Guide to Los Angeles 2025
With details on everything from the Hollywood bowl to the Sunset Strip, this is the only guide a native or traveler needs.
New York Bars at Dawn
A curated journey through New York's most iconic bars and their tales of culture, history, and early morning revelry.
Around the World in 80 Cocktails
Explores the surprising,lesser-known origins of global cocktails and their cultural significance.
Store Front NYC
Captures the essence of NYC's independent retail scene, blending nostalgia with modern finding.
Dirty: A Dive Bar Novel
A narrative-driven dive into the raw, gritty world of dive bars and their stories of resilience and community.