"Riverside Park" is an illustrated tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted's "other" New York City sanctuary. Since its conception in the 1870s, the park has undergone a number of transformations and suffered from periods of misuse and neglect, but in 1984, much-needed renovations turned this city oasis into what is today one of Manhattan's most beautiful attractions.

"If the West Side does not stir you, you are a clod, past redemption."-Robert Moses

Millions visit the Upper West Side landmark annually, and despite the heavy use, thousands of volunteers keep the grounds pristine. The park is now being extended southward as part of Manhattan's plan to reclaim the island's six hundred miles of waterfront, and Riverside Drive-Olmsted's curving thoroughfare flanking the park-has long been one of Manhattan's premier addresses.

"I often feel drawn to the Hudson River.... I never get tired of looking at it; it hypnotizes me."-Joseph Mitchell, from "The Rivermen"

From the time it was carved out of an unpromising landscape, Riverside Park has continued to reinvent itself. Using photographs (both contemporary and historical), illustrations, poems, and original and excerpted narrative, Edward Grimm and E. Peter Schroeder tell the intriguing story of a symbol of the modern revitalization of New York City.

"Riverside Park will be a genuine riverside reservation, dedicated forever to the use of the people, beautiful in the highest sense."- "The New York World," April 24, 1892

*Includes the official Riverside Park Fund Map of 2007*

The author writes: ALTHOUGH twenty-two years have elapsed. since the death of Bishop John N. Neumann, he still lives in the hearts of all that knew him; and many have expressed the wish that his memory should be preserved, his biography written for the edification of posterity. For this reason, Superiors several years ago entrusted to me the task of compiling his Life-a task whose accomplishment was by no means easy. For although the servant of God performed many great deeds, his extraordinary humility enabled him to conceal them, in a measure, from the eyes of all save God alone. The diocesan archives of his time record nothing calculated to throw light upon the subject; and the missionaries who labored with him, comparatively few in number, were too much occupied with the care of souls to record a history of their trials and labors. Sufficient material was, however, soon collected from which the Life of the holy Bishop could, to some considerable extent, be faithfully portrayed. From the members of his immediate family, his brother and sisters, many interesting and reliable communications were received; but his own letters and, above all, his own journal have proved valuable sources of information. They afford a consoling glimpse into his noble heart and elevated soul. Thanks are due to all that have aided me in the fulfilling of my task. Any additional communications will be gratefully received and used in a subsequent edition.