New York: The Photo Atlas    by Getmapping Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2004 (2004) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Sally Selvadurai My first impression when seeing this book was bewilderment: Why would anyone photograph aerially a collection of images showing in detail New York’s buildings and streets? What is its intended purpose? Yes, you can probably pick out your own or a friend's apartment bulding or a restaurant, but it's certainly not a map book that will travel in your car - it would take a seat all of its own. According to the jacket information, 'The atlas is a breeze to use. The photography and the cartography (yes, comprehensive maps are included at the back of the book) share the same standard grid system so you can cross-reference quickly between the two elements, and every street in the area shown is indexed for both types of maps.' However, this is easier said than done! First, choose your street, then remember two sets of coordinates and page numbers, then flip through this enormous volume, moving from a page of maps to the corresponding aerial photograph (the book's coverage includes all five boroughs of the city, as well as some suburbs.) New York: The Photo Atlas is one book that's strictly coffee table. Those tempted to acquire the tome should bear two things in mind. Firstly, the recipient must have a great love of New York to want to pore over these pages, and secondly you'd better work out at the gym before your purchase in order to lug this hefty volume home! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews