New York's Legal Landmarks: A Guide to Legal Edifices, Institutions, Lore, History, and Curiosities on the City's Streets Paperback – March 19, 2014

Blurbs about each of the historical sites involved with the law - not just courthouses but locations of famous law firms or lawyers, etc.GIves information about sites that I never considered,despite my almost 60 years as a lawyer in NYC. I would have liked more to flesh out information about the sites - more of the lore. For example, the Jefferson Market Courthouse (now a library) where Mae West was brought after being arrested. After discussion with the judge, the judge asked, "Madam, are you trying to show contempt for the court?" She replied, "No, I'm trying to conceal it." Even though that particular story may not be historically accurate, some more flesh and bones about the sites to show how fascinating they are would have been nice. Surely more could have been done with 60 Centre Street, the NYS Supreme Court, civil side, building in Manhattan, the locus of so much famous litigation over the years. Still an incredibly complete listing of sites.

Robert Pigott performs a remarkable and heroic feat for us in this book: he discerns the history and continuance of the city's legal life. The book is both a history and a guide book, uncovering a palimpsest of judicially-related places and stories past and present. Since the evolution of the justice system is arguably one way to gauge the development of civilization, this is something of a living archaeology. Pigott's prose is inviting and readable, while detailed and authoritative. This is a wonderful book to take along on a tourist's trip through New York City, even if you live there! It's a revelation. Also wonderfully illustrated.

This book is a wonderful contribution to an understanding of courthouses, judges and lawyers in New York City and surrounding regions. The author has done an immense amount of research and legwork, amounting to a labor of love. He has located all of the courthouses in the area, still in use, given over to other uses, or demolished. For each he has a story to tell about its construction and use. He has also located the places where famous lawyers, past and present , have had their offices.The text is well written, factual and at the same time entertaining.

This is very enjoyable book for anyone who is interested in NYC history, lore, architecture and fun trivia, especially those in or connected to the law world. Piggott's research is impressive and his writing is lively.

As a legal and government history buff, I greatly appreciate the idea to create a tome of NYC legal landmarks. And, the book is wonderful.Most people focus on Manhattan, but here it is great to see the attention paid to each borough.

A one-of-a-kind tour through the legal (and not so legal) landmarks in NYC. Great for legal buffs, history lovers, and NYC addicts! Loved it!

Great addition to our library!

Fascinating tour of legal New York!