Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965, The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street is a defining presence in New York City. The building's exterior ornamentation reflects one of the great artistic collaborations of its era, and every intricate classical detail was hand-carved by artisans trained in Old World techniques. Inside, highlights include the soaring Rose Main Reading Room, one of the largest uncolumned interior spaces in the world; the marble-panelled Bartos Forum, crowned by a glass and cast-iron dome; the beautifully proportioned Astor Hall; and the stunningly restored Map Division. Architectural historian Ingrid Steffensen traces the history of this architectural masterpiece in this updated edition, published to celebrate the building's 2011 Centennial and the restoration of its monumental marble facade and decorative embellishments - fountains, attic figures and pediment groups - to their original Beaux-Arts glory. AUTHOR: Ingrid Steffensen is an architectural historian. ILLUSTRATIONS: 75 colour
