Old Time Tours - 19th Century NYC Guidebooks: Introduction

When researching the history of the Big Apple, guidebooks to the city of New York published between the end of the Revolutionary War and the consolidation of the five boroughs at the close of the 19th century have value more towering than the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 and more dense than the beefsteak-and-beer belly of old Boss Tweed.

First arranged by decade, where a sample of guidebooks in that date range are highlighted, the material is also described by subject: guidebook series; recommended subject headings to use when browsing the NYPL catalog; guides in foreign languages; and access to works freely online in the public domain.

For colonial guides to New York City, see our research guide: Sea Blazers and Early Scriveners: The First Guidebooks to New York City.

Also, see our series of companion blog posts on the subject of 19th century guidebooks:

• New York City Guidebooks in the Early Republic
• New York City Guidebooks in the Mid-1800s
• New York City Guidebooks After the Civil War

And whenever you need directions - just ask a librarian.

For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:

Digitization of Select Research Materials

Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections. 

Screen Readers and Enlargers 

Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and MAGic software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading. 

Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org for details. It also hosts many networking groups, resource fairs, writing workshops, accessible art workshops, book clubs, and other events. All are listed in the quarterly newsletter, available by email, website (text or audio), or over the phone.

For more information, see the Accessibility at NYPL page.