A Fascinating Look at 1924 New York

Vintage travel guides make up for one of the most insightful and hands-on looks at a city — the attractions, points of interest and culture and a distilled look of what really mattered. So when I discovered a 1924 Standard Guide to New York at one of the library sales nearby, I was beyond excited.

Published by Foster & Reynolds Company, this rare copy of the guide provides a unique glimpse at the city of that time. Through 124 pages, this pocket book features hand-illustrated maps, detailed photographs — from the tallest skyscrapers in the world to the small but growing subway system of that time as well as major hotel rates ($3 per night!) and some fabulous advertising pages.