📖 Overview
John Tauranac is an American writer and historian best known for his work documenting New York City's architectural history and transit system. His most prominent achievement was leading the team that designed the 1979 New York City subway map, which became a standard reference for millions of subway riders.
As an author, Tauranac has written several definitive books about New York City architecture, including "The Empire State Building: The Making of a Landmark" (1995) and "Elegant New York: The Builders and the Buildings" (1985). His expertise extends to the city's transportation infrastructure, with publications examining the development of the subway system and other transit networks.
In addition to his writing and cartographic work, Tauranac has served as an adjunct professor at New York University and Columbia University, teaching courses on New York City's architectural and infrastructure development. He continues to contribute to public understanding of urban design and transportation through lectures, walking tours, and consulting work.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Tauranac's detailed research and ability to make New York City's architectural history accessible. The Empire State Building book receives specific commendation for balancing technical details with engaging storytelling. One Amazon reviewer noted: "He explains complex engineering concepts without losing the human element."
Readers highlight his clear writing style and inclusion of historical photographs and diagrams. Many mention using his books as references for walking tours and architectural exploration of NYC.
Common criticisms include occasional dry passages focused on technical specifications and dates. Some readers found certain sections overly academic, particularly in "Elegant New York."
Ratings across platforms:
- "The Empire State Building": 4.5/5 on Amazon (86 reviews), 4.2/5 on Goodreads (127 reviews)
- "Elegant New York": 4.3/5 on Amazon (34 reviews), 3.9/5 on Goodreads (42 reviews)
- "Manhattan's Little Secrets": 4.6/5 on Amazon (52 reviews)
Most reviewers identify as architecture enthusiasts, NYC history buffs, or urban planning professionals.
📚 Books by John Tauranac
The Empire State Building: The Making of a Landmark
A comprehensive history of the Empire State Building's development, construction, and cultural impact, published in 1995.
Manhattan's Little Secrets: Uncovering Mysteries in Brick and Mortar, Glass and Stone A guide to lesser-known architectural and historical sites throughout Manhattan, exploring hidden features of buildings and public spaces.
Essential New York: A Guide to the History and Architecture of Manhattan's Important Buildings, Parks, and Bridges A detailed architectural reference covering Manhattan's significant structures and public spaces, with historical context and technical details.
New York from the Air An aerial photographic survey of New York City's architecture and urban landscape, featuring commentary on significant buildings and developments.
Elegant New York: The Builders and the Buildings 1885-1915 An examination of New York City's architectural evolution during the Gilded Age and early 20th century, focusing on significant buildings and their creators.
The View from the 86th Floor A focused study of the Empire State Building's observation deck and its role in New York City tourism and culture.
Manhattan's Little Secrets: Uncovering Mysteries in Brick and Mortar, Glass and Stone A guide to lesser-known architectural and historical sites throughout Manhattan, exploring hidden features of buildings and public spaces.
Essential New York: A Guide to the History and Architecture of Manhattan's Important Buildings, Parks, and Bridges A detailed architectural reference covering Manhattan's significant structures and public spaces, with historical context and technical details.
New York from the Air An aerial photographic survey of New York City's architecture and urban landscape, featuring commentary on significant buildings and developments.
Elegant New York: The Builders and the Buildings 1885-1915 An examination of New York City's architectural evolution during the Gilded Age and early 20th century, focusing on significant buildings and their creators.
The View from the 86th Floor A focused study of the Empire State Building's observation deck and its role in New York City tourism and culture.
👥 Similar authors
William Cronon writes about the development of American cities and their relationship with natural resources, focusing on Chicago and the American West. His approach to urban environmental history parallels Tauranac's examination of how infrastructure shapes city life.
Kenneth Jackson documents the evolution of American urban spaces and suburbanization, with emphasis on New York City's development. His research on transportation systems and their impact on city growth connects to Tauranac's work on subway systems.
Robert Caro investigates power structures and urban development through biographical works, including detailed analysis of Robert Moses's impact on New York City. His exploration of how infrastructure projects reshape communities mirrors Tauranac's focus on architectural and transit history.
Jane Holtz Kay examines the intersection of architecture, transportation, and urban planning in American cities. Her analysis of how transportation networks influence city development aligns with Tauranac's studies of New York's infrastructure.
Pete Hamill writes about New York City's history through personal narratives and historical research, focusing on the city's buildings and neighborhoods. His work combines architectural history with social documentation, similar to Tauranac's approach to chronicling New York's built environment.
Kenneth Jackson documents the evolution of American urban spaces and suburbanization, with emphasis on New York City's development. His research on transportation systems and their impact on city growth connects to Tauranac's work on subway systems.
Robert Caro investigates power structures and urban development through biographical works, including detailed analysis of Robert Moses's impact on New York City. His exploration of how infrastructure projects reshape communities mirrors Tauranac's focus on architectural and transit history.
Jane Holtz Kay examines the intersection of architecture, transportation, and urban planning in American cities. Her analysis of how transportation networks influence city development aligns with Tauranac's studies of New York's infrastructure.
Pete Hamill writes about New York City's history through personal narratives and historical research, focusing on the city's buildings and neighborhoods. His work combines architectural history with social documentation, similar to Tauranac's approach to chronicling New York's built environment.