Reveals the myths of New York and the various, often paradoxical ways that authors have portrayed New York City. This work also examines New York from the perspectives of American authors, immigrants, African-Americans, and Jews. It also covers New York in theatre, including works from Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller.

This work reveals the myths of New York and the various, often paradoxical ways that authors have portrayed New York City. Part One examines New York from the perspectives of a New York aristocracy (e.g. Henry James), immigrants (e.g. Mario Puzo), African Americans (e.g. Ralph Ellison), and Jews (e.g. Daniel Fuchs). Part Two studies variations and themes of New York mythology in the works of Stephen Crane, Tom Wolfe, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Theodore Dreiser, among others. Part Three covers New York in theatre, including works from Eugene O'Neill and Arthur Miller.