“New York’s New Edge offers a retrospective on three case studies in urban and cultural development begun under the administration of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg with lessons for Mayor Bill de Blasio.”

New York Times

"New York’s New Edge is an absolutely brilliant contribution to the sociology of art, urban sociology, and urbanism. This is one of the very best sociological texts that I have read in ages. I highly recommend it to all those who are interested in Manhattan’s Far West Side transformations."

Alain Quemin | Université Paris VIII

“Focusing on the now-booming district of the Far West Side, sociologist David Halle and art historian Elisabeth Tiso offer a substantial and eminently sensible analysis of why development in Giuliani and Bloomberg-era Manhattan evolved as it did. Their compelling history of the present, resolutely opposed to sloganeering ‘tale-of-two-cities’ explanations, reveals through specifics the people and institutional structures involved with area galleries and built environment projects, and the circumstances that resulted in success or failure. All students of cities will learn much from this engrossing book.”

Michele H. Bogart | Stony Brook University

“In New York’s New Edge (the title may be understood literally as referring to the city’s far west side and metaphorically) David Halle and Elisabeth Tiso interweave three complex histories: the rise of Chelsea as the world’s premier gallery district; iconic preservation projects such as the High Line; and mega real estate projects such as Hudson Yards. Their reading of each is nuanced, cutting through many of the ‘accepted wisdoms’ of the day. Their purpose is to analyze what makes for a reasonable balance between healthy urban growth and preservation. This book is a must for planners, politicians, and anyone with an interest in the future of cities.”

Harriet F. Senie, author of The “Tilted Arc” Controversy: Dangerous Precedent?

“The link between the contemporary art scene in Chelsea and the development of an edge neighborhood of restaurants, hotels, and new housing is detailed and superbly analyzed by David Halle and Elisabeth Tiso. The preservation of the High Line and creation of the Gansevoort Market Historic District led to extraordinary change. In New York’s New Edge the relation of cultural identity to people, planning, and politics is made personal and comprehensible by surprising anecdotes and insightful commentary.”

Rick Bell, Executive Director, AIA New York and the Center for Architecture

“This hefty tome will surely pique the interest of anyone who fancies art, the urban, or how the two come together in the City That Never Sleeps. . . . The authors have done a marvelous job of weaving together their respective specialties—sociology for Halle and art history for Tiso—to produce a text that gives ample consideration to the present as well as to the historical development of a particular slice of the Big Apple. This is a fantastic example of collaboration and interdisciplinarity, and the authors have clearly penned a thoroughly engaging text that ought to have broad appeal to scholars, activists, and avid readers. Highly recommended.”

Choice