A volume in the (now) classic Time-Life Great Cities series, 'New York' is written by the well-known writer Anthony Burgess. As expected, the account is not just factual but deeply psychological and intensely personal, and does not pull any punches (i.e. is not hesitant) in expressing and exposing the negative aspects. These include crowding, run-down neighborhoods, breakdown of family and community, even poverty and its cohabitant, crime. But the author also brings out the greatness of this megapolis, and tells us why it is more or less the centre of the modern world. ( )