"Jerold Kayden has contributed to the renaissance of writing on New York City and its architecture of recent years an extraordinarily detailed and sensible account of the hundreds of open spaces that have sprouted around skyscrapers in the wake of the zoning reform of 1961. It is a remarkable book and every lover of New York City will want to consult it."–Nathan Glazer, Professor of Sociology and Education Emeritus, Harvard University

"This is an indispensable guide to New York City’s 500-plus privately owned public spaces. The book’s marathon undertaking is required reading for anyone interested in the history and development of modern New York."–Laurie Beckelman, Vice President, World Monuments Fund

"New York City has 40 years of experience in creating public spaces on private property through zoning. This book covers it all–from sorry examples to brilliant successes. Other cities should learn from this experience."–Con Howe, Director of Planning, City of Los Angeles