Review of NONSTOP METROPOLIS
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
"Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas" by Rebecca Solnit and Joshua Jelly-Schapiro is a literary creation that challenges the very notion of what a book about a city should be. In a world where urban studies often succumb to uninspired data dumps or overwrought narratives, this tome defies convention with an audacity reminiscent of Banksy tagging the side of Buckingham Palace.
The book is the final act in Solnit's trilogy, following "Infinite City" and "Unfathomable City," both of which were similarly ambitious in scope and execution. Here, New York City is rendered not as a mere backdrop but as a vibrant protagonist, teeming with life and complexity. Through twenty-six meticulously crafted maps and corresponding essays, Solnit and Jelly-Schapiro present Gotham not just as an urban jungle but as an ecosystem of stories, histories, and cultures interwoven in a manner that would make even Dickens nod in approval.
Where the authors truly excel is in their ability to transcend the traditional map. Each cartographic creation is an art piece in itself, a visual narrative that invites readers to reconsider the very essence of what maps can convey. In an era where Google Maps dictates our every move, these maps restore a sense of wonder and discovery to navigation — a radical act of defiance against digital determinism.
Rebecca Solnit's narrative prowess, evident in her previous works on feminism and cultural history, marries seamlessly with Joshua Jelly-Schapiro's geographical insights. The duo crafts a symphony of voices, drawing from an array of contributors who each offer their unique lens on the sprawling metropolis. This cacophony of perspectives underscores a democratic ethos rarely achieved in urban literature.
The essays delve into themes ranging from migration and music to activism and ecology, painting a portrait of New York as a living organism rather than a static monument. The city's pulse is felt in every line, echoing the insights of Jane Jacobs' seminal "The Death and Life of Great American Cities" while adding layers of contemporary relevance. It’s as if Joan Didion sat down with SimCity developers to reimagine urban storytelling.
Yet, the book's strength may also be its Achilles' heel. Its unconventional format — a blend of art, cartography, and essay — might leave traditionalists yearning for a more linear narrative. But, much like New York itself, "Nonstop Metropolis" thrives in its complexity and refuses to be easily categorized.
Perhaps the true brilliance of this work lies in its ability to make one see New York anew. It captures the city's frenetic energy and profound stillness, its grandeur and its grit. While "Nonstop Metropolis" may not have garnered major literary accolades, it occupies a vital space in the pantheon of urban exploration literature.
In summation, Solnit and Jelly-Schapiro have crafted more than just an atlas; they have created a love letter to New York City — one that is as multifaceted and dynamic as the city itself. For those willing to embrace its idiosyncrasies, this book offers a journey worth taking. Consider it essential reading for anyone who has ever been captivated by the siren call of the city that never sleeps.
Purchase Link: NONSTOP METROPOLIS on Amazon