New York in the 1980's

[Krythor]

Hey, I need recommendations for novels about New York from and/or set in the 1980's preferably, but also willing to take recommendations from the 1960's onwards.

Also, if anybody has recommendations for non-fiction about urban expansion, and specifically the sociological impacts it would be much appreciated.

[Krythor]

PS, to give an indication of the kind of stuff I mean, I'm starting on Bonfire of the Vanities and American Psycho, and in non-fiction I'll be looking at The Death and Life of the American City by Jane Jacobs.

[kahljorn]

henry miller? :lol
i think he's a 1940s or 50s writer, though. :(

[Kitsa]

novels aren't my thing, but try this one (http://www.amazon.com/Please-Kill-Me-Uncensored-History/dp/0140266909).

[Tadao]

Son of Sam was a huge thing.

[Ant10708]

novels aren't my thing, but try this one (http://www.amazon.com/Please-Kill-Me-Uncensored-History/dp/0140266909).
punk was big in NY?

[Jeanette X]

Son of Sam was a huge thing.

Wasn't that in the '70s?

[Tadao]

Yeah 76 I think, but he said 60s and on. I'm sure it help shape the 80s in NY.

[Kitsa]

I think that was the summer of 77.

Ant, stop being a dick.

[Tadao]

It's ok, he based his username on the belief that something big was gonna happen on 10-07-08. What a sap.

Oh shit, since high school ive been telling people to expect something big on 10708(hence ant 10708). lol

hopfully it happens so i can see gitmo bay!

[Kitsa]

what big thing was supposed to happen?

[Tadao]

His failure?

[Kitsa]

but that did happen. :(

[Krythor]

http://fusionanomaly.net/magnoliabutitdidhappen.jpg

Thanks for the suggestions, keep 'em coming if you can. Son of Sam is definitely on the right track, as it influenced legislature and boosted sales of newspapers, involved the mayor pouring money into the police, etc.

[Dimnos]

What about that big stock market crash in the 80s. Didnt a lot of people on Wall Street kill themselves or something?

[Krythor]

But I mean, specific books if you can think of any. Class relations and city planning are my big concerns.

[Tadao]

John Lennon was killed in Dec. 1980, but I doubt that had any real impact on how NY went about their day.

[Kitsa]

http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Apple-York-City-1980s/dp/0887382967

[Tadao]

http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Apple-York-City-1980s/dp/0887382967

http://books.google.com/books?id=V0AH3YyTCKQC&printsec=frontcover#PPP1,M1

[Krythor]

Sweet, nice one. Thanks.

[Igorokk]

Thanx Boberros Much appreciated

I know u are a big fan of A2G, please do hop in on the server and see if you like the new missions, they have lots of A2G scenarios in them You will be more than welcome

Cheers

[peh_]

Paul Auster is in my opinion one of the best New York authors that ever put a pen to paper on that odd little island. He made his name with the aptly named "New York Trilogy" of novels in the mid 80's. He also wrote the screenplay for "Smoke" which is one of the best New York movies ever. His writing at that time really shows the isolation of urban living despite being surrounded by a kajillion people. Really underrated guy, and I suggest checking it out if you want a slightly (albeit surreal) view of NY at that time.

Plus kudos on the Jane Jacobs. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few times when I was living in her neighborhood. A truly remarkable mind and a wonderful woman to boot.

http://www.amazon.com/York-Trilogy-Contemporary-American-Fiction/dp/B000TO0TB2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250853208&sr=8-2

[Krythor]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll definitely check it out.

When I get to reading more of this stuff in earnest (which will be very soon) I'll post again in this thread with my thoughts. I've had my fingers in OTHER PIES recently.