BOOK PURCHASES IN NYC

I bought a heap of books, of course, while in NY, so many in fact that I had to post back two cartons as they were too heavy to bring on the plane.
However three late purchases that did make it in to my luggage were:

A CERTAIN "JE NE SAIS QUOI"
The origin of foreign words used in English
Chloe Rhodes
Readers Digest US$14.95

A compact hardback reference book for my desk. Our language is filled with foreign words and phrases that have entered from many sources. Helpfully arranged alphabetically.


AMERICA'S MAYOR
John V Lindsay and the reinvention of New York
Editor Sam Roberts
Museum of the City of New York - US $29.95

John Lindsay captured the New York mayoralty in 1965 by promising to rid the city of papathy and corruption and make NY governable again. Over the next eight years he presided over a city at the vortex of the civil rights, antiwar, Women's, and gay rights movements, a turbulent global economy, demographic upheaval by an influx of blacks and Puerto Ricans and an exodis of whites. He revolutionised town planning, some of his reforms succeeded, others failed.
This book, which accompanies a splendid exhibition of the same name at this stunning uptown museum, ( it is a nice manageable size too), tells the stories of those turbulent years. I found the book absorbing and fascinating. It is prolifically illustrated with b&wphotos of the day which I found most engrossing.
Next time you are in NYC do visit the Muesum of the City of  New York, you will not be disappointed. It is, along with the Frick Collection, one of my favourite NY cultural places.


SUNNY DAYS & EASY LIVING
Relaxed food to enjoy outdoors
Lindy Wildsmith, photography by Martin Brigdale
Ryland, Peters & Small - US $19.95

Of course the last thing The Bookman needs is another cookbook after all he already has close to 400 in his kitchen library. But I bought this book as a gift for my son-in-law Mark and after he cooked several stunning dishes from it, (he is a talented & imaginative guy who loves cooking), I decided I had better go back to Anthropologie and buy another copy to bring home to NZ. It is a gem, filled with all sorts of great ideas for barbecues, picnics and patio meals.