Coney Island: Lost and Found by Charles Denson
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Book Reviews of Coney Island: Lost and Found
Book Review: An Indispensable Reference Book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best book I've ever read on the history Coney Island and I've read every one I could find. It is extremely well researched and written, has incredible photographs and graphics, and a personal story that's moving and deeply felt.
Like many of the other reviewers of this book I grew up in the Coney Island area (Brighton First Street). Coney Island has an almost magical draw for me, so much so that I recently completed writing and illustrating a novel called, "Coney Island Book of the Dead" that takes place in 1956. Charles Denson's book proved to be an invaluable source of facts, lore, and pictures, but, even more importantly, of inspiration. If my novel ever gets published (I'm looking for an agent as of 6/08/07) I hope all of you coneyislandaphiles read it.
Also, you might also be interested in a new book by Charles Denson called "Wild Ride! A Coney Island Roller Coaster Family." I just ordered it.
Book Review: Astonishingly good
Summary: 5 Stars
Charles Denson's book is the best of the several histories and photo collections about Coney Island that I have seen. It has an astonishingly good range of photos which illustrate the story of the fun fairs and theme parks extremely well. It's good to see the very early days included, before the great pleasure parks were built. The decline and possible revival of the last few decades is also documented. Denham knew the area well and saw much of the recent history of Coney Island himself. The book is also beautifully designed and produced. I would have liked more commentary on the ways in which the fairs introduced the punters to exotic people, places and historic events - they were influential showcases, often more than the movies, newspapers or television, but this book provides plenty of evidence to support that view anyway.Book Review: sweet memories
Summary: 5 Stars
The Terra and Belgenio patriarchs arrived in Coney Island at the turn of the 20 th centuty--legend has it that they got on a train and got off at the last stop--Stillwell Ave. This wonderful book put me in touch with them and my parents who lived and died on 15 th and 17 Streets between Mermaid & Neptune Aves. up until the mid 70's. My grandfather Anthony Terra sold ice in the summer and coal in the winter while his wife Maria ran a fruit & vegetable store and raised 6 children--one of whom was my father George, who knew everybody and everybody knew him. This book --the narrative and photos--ignited so many memories for me that I cannot read it without shedding some tears --as I am doing now. Buy the book--you'll love it! Dr Anthony TerraBook Review: A Magical, Entertaining Ride
Summary: 5 Stars
Coney Island Lost and Found is just such a joy to read. A lifelong resident of the Gravesend section of Brooklyn, not far from Coney, reading this book reignited my memories and interest in this amazing fantasyland. Charles Denson's writing is well crafted and the reader can tell he put not only a lot of time and hard work in compiling all the information, but he also put his heart into this book. It captures one's imagination and is a sheer delight to anyone interested in the background of Coney Island. A memoir, an historical text, a delight. Highlyrecommended.
Book Review: Coney Island: Lost and Found
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a winner ! I am amazed at the initiative of Mr Denson as a kid to have the vision and mission to take as many photographs as he did. I grew up on Coney Island. I lived there until 1957. I lived on W 21st, between Mermaid and Neptune Aves.I Attended PS 80 and Mark Twain JHS.I would have liked to see more pictures and references to my area in Coney Island, but that is something I should do. Denson is from the more western part. The history and writing style is top-notch and the quality of the book is first rate. Highly recommended.