Down 42nd Street : Sex, Money, Culture, and Politics at the Crossroads of theWorld

Rating:
Summary: YOU CAN HEAR THE BEAT OF 42nd STREET IN THIS READING
Review: You can almost hear the actual beat of New York's 42nd Street in this finely articulated reading by the author. You surely learn a great deal about the history of this fabled avenue of broken dreams that was once home to mob rule, illicit sex, on-the-take politicos, and glamorous denizens of the theatre both above and below ground.
Today it has morphed into a family playground boasting clean entertainment. The only Xs to be seen are where children stand to have their pictures taken.
"Down 42nd Street" opens in the 1890s when the Big Apple saw elegant townhouses and the emergence of Wall Street and entertainment moguls. As the new century dawned 42nd Street had become a business district to the east, and the home of show business to the west.
The aftermath of World War II saw the west side of the Street descend into drug dealer's turf with violent crime an everyday occurrence and prostitutes at the ready.
Both fascinating and informative "Down 42nd Street" is quite a trip!

- Gail Cooke