New-York Historical Society

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Be transported to New York during the Gilded Age and experience daily life in one of the world's most vibrant cities through mesmerizing, contemporary 3D photography and exciting tales of the time. Black Dog & Leventhal has partnered with the New-York Historical Society to present New York in the Gilded Age as it's never been viewed before. This innovative package includes a sturdy metal stereoscopic viewer and 50 stereoscopic photographs of turn-of-the-century New York. The package also includes a 128-page paperback that provides a brief history of the stereograph craze and an overview of the city's evolution during that time. Mark Twain coined the term the 'Gilded Age' for this period of extravagance, experienced most dramatically in New York City from the late 1860s to 1910. More than half of the millionaires in the United States lived in the city. Previously unimaginable sums of money were made and spent, while poor immigrants were packed in tenements. The gap between the rich and the poor was wide, yet wealth was flaunted at every opportunity, from showy parties to lavish clothing and richly furnished mansions. The period also saw great innovations for all, including the New York City subway system, electric lighting, and the first urban ambulance service. New York City in 3D in the Gilded Age encapsulates a city determinedly positioned at the forefront of culture, politics, and innovation and includes vivid firsthand accounts from writers, politicians, and residents during this period. Detailed descriptions of the scenes depicted in each stereographic photograph are included on the back of the photo.

For Adults Only The Gentleman's Directory is a reproduction of New York City's rare 1870 guidebook to more than 150 brothels then operating--presenting "insight into the character and doings of people whose deeds are carefully screened from public view." This vest pocket-sized guide to Manhattan's "nightlife" was easily obtained at city newsstands. While claiming to direct the visitor away from houses of ill repute--"Not that we imagine the reader will ever desire to visit these houses"--the book offered first, second, and third class reviews and ratings. High praise went to houses "kept in a quiet and orderly manner" and that were "finely furnished." A rave review for Miss Emma Benedict's house read: "Everything is here arranged in the first style, while the bewitching smiles of the fairy-like creatures who devote themselves to the services of Cupid are unrivalled by any of the fine ladies who walk Broadway in silks and satins new." Readers were warned to stay away from the streetwalkers, while of houses on Greene Street it was said, "This thoroughfare has become a complete sink of iniquity." Third-rate establishments received such dismissive reviews as "undeserving of further notice" or "it contains nothing of any account." Applewood After Dark's faithful facsimile was reproduced from an original in the collection of the New-York Historical Society.