The book investigates the profound impact of industrialization on the transformation of New York City's rivers between 1900 and 1940. It examines how the burgeoning industrial landscape, characterized by factories, bridges, and shipping infrastructure, reshaped the city's identity and its relationship with its waterways. The study analyzes the aesthetic and cultural perceptions of these industrial changes, particularly the concept of the 'industrial sublime,' and how it influenced urban development and public consciousness during this pivotal era.

This book is likely to be of significant interest to scholars and enthusiasts of urban history, architectural history, and the industrial heritage of New York City. The focus on the 'industrial sublime' suggests an approach that bridges historical analysis with cultural and aesthetic critique. The detailed examination of the period 1900-1940 positions it as a valuable resource for understanding a crucial phase of the city's development. Its scholarly nature implies a rigorous approach to historical evidence and interpretation.