"Whether depicted as originally designed or in contemporary portraits, Central Park's architectural and ornamental highlights are delineated in ravishing watercolors rendered in exquisite detail. With chapters firmly grounded by extensive research and informed by a broad knowledge of architectural and social history--complemented by numerous contemporary and archival photographs, as well as maps of the park--the authors examine the actors, intentions and ideas guiding the creation and evolution of this national treasure and delve into its many extraordinary details, offering us a fresh vision of New York's beloved Central Park"--Dust jacket.