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City on the Edge: Buffalo, New York, 1900 - present

by Mark Goldman

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575460,754 (3.81)None
BUFFALO, NEW YORK IS ENJOYING A RESURGENCE, AND HAS BECOME A RECOMMENDED TRAVEL DESTINATION. THIS BOOK TELLS THE STORY OF HOW IT GOT HERE.  In a sweeping narrative that speaks to the serious student of urban studies as well as the general reader, Mark Goldman tells the story of twentieth-century Buffalo, New York. Goldman covers all of the major developments: * The rise and decline of the city's downtown and ethnic neighborhoods * The impact of racial change and suburbanization * The role and function of the arts in the life of the community * Urban politics, urban design, and city planning While describing the changes that so drastically altered the form, function, and character of the city, Goldman, through detailed descriptions of special people and special places, gives a sense of intimacy and immediacy to these otherwise impersonal historical forces. City on the Edge unflinchingly documents and describes how Buffalo has been battered by the tides of history. But it also describes the unique characteristics that have encouraged an innovative cultural climate, including Buffalo's dynamic survival instinct that continues to lead to a surprisingly and inspiringly high quality of community life. Finally, it offers a road map, which--if followed--could point the way to a new and exciting future for this long-troubled city.… (more)
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Showing 5 of 5
Mark Goldman's City on the Edge: Buffalo, New York tracks the history of the titular city from the Pan-American Exposition and arrival of Lackawanna Steel Company at the dawn of the twentieth century through the early twenty-first century and the blizzard of 2006. Of the city's history he argues, "Like so many other like-minded people, I was becoming increasingly frustrated and disappointed by public officials who, distracted by the lure of big-money, 'silver-bullet' projects, failed to recognize the incredible power that local people working on small, local projects can have on the life of a community" (pg. 11). Indeed, several of his chapters compare some public initiative against the everyday struggles of people living in Buffalo to get by. While the level of detail in this book and its use of local geography will make it appeal mostly to those in or from Buffalo, Goldman's chapters (complete with notes at the end) would work well as readings for teaching an upper-level high school or college freshman class. The city of Buffalo and Goldman's examples work well as a case study for twentieth-century American politics. ( )
  DarthDeverell | May 15, 2017 |
History of Buffalo from the Pan-American Exposition in 1901 through the October blizzard of 2006. I'm still not sure I was interested in this many details, but overall I found the book compelling. Buffalo was once the shit, and now there are just small pockets of awesomeness. Depressing when you take into consideration the amazing location of the city. Wishing I lived in the Buffalo of another era. ( )
  dandelionroots | Aug 30, 2011 |
For Greater Buffalo residents, this book is a must read. It tells the sometime depressing story of how Buffalo got to where it is today. Readers will come away with some perspectives of how not to repeat the mistakes of the past. The book is well written, though it could have used a pass by a good copy editor. ( )
  cohenja | Nov 26, 2007 |
Goldman's searing critique of "what went wrong" in a city that was once one of America's largest and most prosperous regions will put frowns on the faces of Buffalo cheerleaders. But few could challenge some of the tenets of Goldman's work, namely that planning blunders and myopic vision contributed to Buffalo's long-term woes.
Some might argue with justification that "City on th Edge" should have included a chapter or two that placed more emphasis on some recent positive signs (a spurt of new downtown housing, the growth of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Corridor, a large number of new development projects in the pipeline, etc.) Still, Goldman's well-researched book provides valuable insights into Buffalo's challenging past, and stirs debate over what decisions must be made going forward to ensure a bright future. ( )
  brianinbuffalo | May 5, 2007 |
Showing 5 of 5
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BUFFALO, NEW YORK IS ENJOYING A RESURGENCE, AND HAS BECOME A RECOMMENDED TRAVEL DESTINATION. THIS BOOK TELLS THE STORY OF HOW IT GOT HERE.  In a sweeping narrative that speaks to the serious student of urban studies as well as the general reader, Mark Goldman tells the story of twentieth-century Buffalo, New York. Goldman covers all of the major developments: * The rise and decline of the city's downtown and ethnic neighborhoods * The impact of racial change and suburbanization * The role and function of the arts in the life of the community * Urban politics, urban design, and city planning While describing the changes that so drastically altered the form, function, and character of the city, Goldman, through detailed descriptions of special people and special places, gives a sense of intimacy and immediacy to these otherwise impersonal historical forces. City on the Edge unflinchingly documents and describes how Buffalo has been battered by the tides of history. But it also describes the unique characteristics that have encouraged an innovative cultural climate, including Buffalo's dynamic survival instinct that continues to lead to a surprisingly and inspiringly high quality of community life. Finally, it offers a road map, which--if followed--could point the way to a new and exciting future for this long-troubled city.

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