SKU: 30269583158

The American Museum of Natural History and How It Got That Way

Sale price$64.99 Regular price$72.21
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $18.05 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 17 - Jul 22

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

The American Museum of Natural History and How It Got That WayTells the story of the building of the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium, a story of history, politics, science, and exploration, including the roles of American presidents, New York power brokers, museum presidents, planetarium directors, polar and African explorers, and German rocket scientists. The American Museum of Natural History is one of New York City's most beloved institutions, and one of the largest, most celebrated

Tells the story of the building of the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium, a story of history, politics, science, and exploration, including the roles of American presidents, New York power brokers, museum presidents, planetarium directors, polar and African explorers, and German rocket scientists.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of New York City's most beloved institutions, and one of the largest, most celebrated museums in the world. Since 1869, generations of New Yorkers and tourists of all ages have been educated and entertained here. Located across from Central Park, the sprawling structure, spanning four city blocks, is a fascinating conglomeration of many buildings of diverse architectural styles built over a period of 150 years. The first book to tell the history of the museum from the point of view of these buildings, including the planned Gilder Center, The American Museum of Natural History and How It Got That Way contextualizes them within New York and American history and the history of science.

Part II, "The Heavens in the Attic," is the first detailed history of the Hayden Planetarium, from the museum's earliest astronomy exhibits, to Clyde Fisher and the original planetarium, to Neil deGrasse Tyson and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and it features a photographic tour through the original Hayden Planetarium.

Author Colin Davey spent much of his childhood literally and figuratively lost in the museum's labyrinthine hallways. The museum grew in fits and starts according to the vicissitudes of backroom deals, personal agendas, two world wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War. Chronicling its evolution―from the selection of a desolate, rocky, hilly, swampy site, known as Manhattan Square to the present day―the book includes some of the most important and colorful characters in the city's history, including the notoriously corrupt and powerful "Boss" Tweed, "Father of New York City" Andrew Haswell Green, and twentieth-century powerbroker and master builder Robert Moses; museum presidents Morris K. Jesup, Henry Fairfield Osborn, and Ellen Futter; and American presidents, polar and African explorers, dinosaur hunters, and German rocket scientists.

Richly illustrated with period photos, The American Museum of Natural History and How It Got That Way is based on deep archival research and interviews.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Fordham University Press
Published: 05/14/2019
ISBN: 9780823283484
Pages: 278
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.30w x 1.00d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 30269583158

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 24 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
C
Verified Purchase
Carolyn McKay
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Walnut frame
Beautiful color. Sturdy.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2025
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Draper, US
★★★★★ 3
A little Flimsy
Love the texture and look of this frame but it doesn’t hold its shape very well and requires actual screws to secure the backing. One of my screw fasteners was broken off the frame in shipping so maybe that’s why it isn’t as tight as it should be but I was hoping for a more secure fit. A LOT of flex and wobble.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2024
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shelf for price!
Color: Natural Oak, Number Of Shelves: 1, Size: 35.4 inches, Color: Natural Oak, Number Of Shelves: 1, Size: 35.4 inches
Great shelf for price. VERY easy to install. We put one side of screws of metal bracket in studs to make it sturdy & stable. This was KEY! Follow simple drawing dictions and you can’t go wrong! Was Leary about some bad reviews but we had no issues. Came quickly with no flaws. Looks great and is very light, but is stable when put into bracket correctly. Size is beautiful with the thickness & depth of upscale shelf. If you want a nice shelf that doesn’t break the bank- get it. This one worked well for us!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026
G
Verified Purchase
Greg Schroeder
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice little shelf
Color: Black, Number Of Shelves: 1, Size: 47.2 inches, Color: Black, Number Of Shelves: 1, Size: 47.2 inches
Super nice shelf for the price! Came with everything you need and easy to install.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mars
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Good basic decoration self.
Color: Black, Number Of Shelves: 1, Size: 47.2 inches
Easy to install. Looks good, good price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2026

recommand products