Edited by SPLIAās former director, Dr. Robert B. MacKay, Gardens of Eden is an exploration of a distinct type of suburban development that proliferated across the region before zoning regulations were developed to manage land use in New York City and its environs. While the onset of suburbia on Long Island is often believed to be a post-World War II phenomena, it actually began a half century earlier when greater affluence, improved railroad service, and new methods of financing made the dream of country living a greater reality for a growing urban middle class. Luminaries such as Grosvenor Atterbury, Charles W. Leavitt Jr., and Frederick Law Olmsted designed dozens of high-end, carefully conceived communities on New Yorkās Long Island. Touted as an antidote to the complexities of urban living, these āresidential parksā were characterized by significant investment in landscaping and infrastructure and employed concepts introduced by the Garden City movement in England.
Gardens of Eden covers the history and development of more than twenty of these remarkable communities and the colorful, at times unscrupulous personalities behind themālike Plandome, designed āfor teachers only,ā and the Metropolitan Museumās Munsey Park, where all the streets were named for artistsāwith writings from their most knowledgeable historians. Other featured communities include: Garden City, Forest Hills Gardens, Long Beach, Great Neck Estates, Brightwaters, Montauk Beach, Prospect Park South in Brooklyn, and many more.
About the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities
SPLIA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding, celebrating, and preserving Long Islandās cultural heritage. Founded in 1948, SPLIA engages its mission through a variety of activities that include interpreting historic houses, creating exhibitions and educational programs, providing preservation advisory services, and publishing works that explore the history of architecture and design on Long Island.
This book title, Gardens of Eden (Long Island's Early Twentieth-Century Planned Communities), ISBN: 9780393733211, by Robert B. MacKay, published by W. W. Norton & Company (September 14, 2015) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Gardens of Eden (Long Island's Early Twentieth-Century Planned Communities) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order Gardens of Eden (Long Island's Early Twentieth-Century Planned Communities) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!