Divine New York: Inside the Historic Churches and Synagogues of Manhattan Hardcover – November 15, 2022

As someone who's lived on and off in NYC for over 20 years, I thought I had seen it all. Nope. Michael Horowitz's and Elizabeth's Hartman's sumptuous "Divine New York" took me on a tour of Gotham's houses of worship I thought I had known well and others I’m seeing only for the first time that was truly eye-opening.Horowitz's eye for details, the right angles, the right lighting, the right composition, were clear in his beautiful four-color photography that---for lack of a better phrase---pops, ennobles, and shimmers.It brought back memories of me decades ago seeing my cousin perform in the renowned boys' choir of St. Thomas Church on Fifth Ave. (A breathtaking jewel of a church that appropriately graces the book's cover.) Then uptown to the Cathedral of St. John The Divine while an overworked Columbia student stealing a few quiet moments from classes and exams and listening to a trumpet concerto in this almost otherworldly setting. Or, right to the tip of Manhattan after paying my respects to my university's founder, Alexander Hamilton, then popping into Trinity Church for a moment of quiet reflection in the shadow of where the Twin Towers once stood.Horowitz captures not just the image of NY's most photogenic houses of worship, but their essence. Evoking not just my own memories, but enhancing them. Hartman's text makes the experience complete. Not the usual hard-to-follow architectural details about flying buttresses and long-forgotten medieval architectural styles difficult for laypeople to decipher, but great storytelling that's approachable and relatable. Stories about immigrants planting their roots in the New World and using their houses of worship to nourish the journey.For Gotham devotees, "Divine New York" is a must-add to your collection of New York-ana. A sublime ecclesiastical feast for the eyes of the eternal side of the City that never sleeps, I'm not confining it to my coffee table alone. I'm taking it all in.

“Divine New York” is an astounding collection of photographs and text of New York City places of worship. Michael Horowitz’s striking images both interior and exterior, along with Elizabeth Anne Hartman’s human backstories represent a deep and meaningful legacy which once only benefited New York congregations. Now, thanks to this glorious book with Michael Horowitz’s brilliant photographic imagery and Elizabeth Anne Hartman’s well-woven text, we all can be enriched by these architectural gems.This book is timely, now more than ever, for it reminds us all of our shared, deep and diverse values.

Being a professional photographer for over 45 years, shooting hundreds of events and portraits, you begin to realize early on, that what you are photographing is not your own footprint in life. You are capturing the footprint of your subjects. You are recording a moment in time which has been precluded by a colorful history with its many, many ups and downs culminating at the moment you click the shutter. This is what 'Divine New York' has done here.At first, when I received this as a gift, I thought to myself, 'Great, just another photo book'. I've been present for many life's events at many of these places of worship and in almost all cases I've never given the history or architecture of these places much thought. But when I saw the work that Michael Horowitz did here with his meticulous photographic craftsmanship, I was blown away. The painstaking effort in planning and taking each photograph along with Liz Hartman's research and concise detailed description has not only preserved but has elevated the glory of each of these houses of worship. Each has a history, just like the people who walked through their doors, and has touched the lives of so many. This work of art, which I'm sure was a labor of love, is truly magnificent.Divine New York has earned its place on my coffee table alongside Adams, Avedon, and Karsh.

Great presentations, lovely realistic pics. Was looking forward to reading more in-depth details but understand that would then be a different book . ( my original idea was to gift the book....but looks like I'll need to buy another copy ---I'm holding on the one delivered to me. ) THANKS- XXX. cdu

Superb large format photography at its finest meets brilliant feats of architecture and engineering in this fine art coffee table book of inspiration. The excellent depiction of the sacred buildings will encourage those who visit New York to explore these Churches and Synagogues for themselves. The photographer is also a master printer of fine photography. If you purchase this excellent reference volume, you will not be disappointed. The quality of this book is only superseded by the committed and sustained efforts of the authors.

Born, raised and educated in New York you would think I know something about this city. No way! The architecture of the city is of particular interest to me so when I was shown “Divine New York “, a photo book of the houses of worship (pre 1940), my curiosity peaked.The wealth of space and depth of detail, from the intricate ceilings to the stained glass windows, are captured perfectly. More importantly, Mr. Horowitz, the artist, controls the perspective, the view we see and the natural light and color that lends a true feeling of vibrancy to the space. Very difficult to achieve. It is a masterwork of both technique and artistry.Ms. Hartman’s text answers the questions that initially come to mind. I feel it is written in a conversational and enthusiastic way. Well done, Ms. Hartman.I feel a show of Mr. Horowitz’s large format prints would further reveal the work. This book awakens in me the desire to visit these spaces.