Fabulous Fountains of New York

Stephanie Azzarone

Pages: 384

Illustrations: 154 color illustrations

Fordham University Press

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Hardback

ISBN: 9781531511838

Published: 02 September 2025

$44.95

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ISBN: 9781531511845

Published: 02 September 2025

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Description

A stunning exploration of New York’s most enchanting fountains

New York City’s fountains are more than just decorative features—they are historical landmarks, cultural icons, and dynamic works of art that shape the city’s landscape. In Fabulous Fountains of New York, award-winning author and native New Yorker Stephanie Azzarone takes readers on a captivating journey through the artistry, history, and hidden stories behind these remarkable waterworks.

From the grandeur of Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain to the sleek modern cascades of the Unisphere in Queens, this beautifully illustrated book showcases more than fifty fountains across all five boroughs. Alongside these celebrated landmarks, Azzarone uncovers lesser-known gems, such as Triumph of the Human Spirit and the long-forgotten temperance fountains, revealing how they reflect the city’s evolving cultural and political landscape.

With vivid storytelling, she traces the work of the architects and artists who shaped these fountains, exploring the historical events they commemorate and the scandals, controversies, and tragedies that surround them. Whether serving as refreshing retreats on hot summer days, symbols of civic pride, or gathering places for contemplation and protest, New York’s fountains have played a vital role in the city’s life.

Accompanied by breathtaking photography by Robert F. Rodriguez, Fabulous Fountains of New York captures the beauty and movement of these dynamic waterworks—from classical bronze and stone sculptures to contemporary interactive installations. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and urban explorers, this book invites readers to rediscover New York through its most mesmerizing fountains.

Praise

Fabulous Fountains of New York is an instant classic. As a fabulous, complete compendium of the fascinating individual histories of each of these unique urban aquatic monuments, it is a valuable source for historians, academics, civic designers, curious NYers, NYC aspirers and water fetishists. I was delighted to learn about the fabulous fountain (and its antecedents) in my own park!---Skip Blumberg, Friends of City Hall Park, documentary filmmaker, and 3rd generation NYer

With meticulous research and engaging text, author Stephanie Azzarone has presented her readers with a comprehensive and very readable view of one of New York City’s treasures, its fountains. The accompanying photographs entice us to look further. Anyone who has encountered a flowing fountain in New York City will understand Azzarone’s fascination. This book is a lovely gift to New Yorkers and to the history of New York City.---Joan Adler, Executive Director, Straus Historical Society

In Fabulous Fountains of New York, Stephanie Azzarone opens a floodgate of long-obscured history of the scores of fountains that bring soothing sounds and beauty to an often harsh urban landscape. Many of these fountains are grand works of architecture and hydraulics gracing city parks and corporate plazas, but others have lovely, intimate stories or carry poignant memories. All make a more gracious New York City, as thoroughly documented by Azzarone and beautifully photographed by Robert Rodriguez.---Adrian Benepe, President, Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Fabulous Fountains of New York restores to public knowledge a fascinating selection of urban amenities—some famous, some all but forgotten—from all around New York City.---Robert W. Snyder, Manhattan Borough Historian

A joyful and informative tribute to the city’s waterworks . . . an enamoring and enthusiastic ode to one small slice of the Big Apple.---Publishers Weekly

Author(s)

Stephanie Azzarone (Author)
Stephanie Azzarone is the author of the award-winning Heaven on the Hudson: Mansions, Monuments, and Marvels of Riverside Park (Fordham). A former journalist (freelancer for The New York Times and New York magazine, among others), she also headed a Manhattan public relations agency.

Robert F. Rodriguez (Photographs By)
Formerly a photo editor for The Daily Mail and Gannet Newspapers, Robert F. Rodriguez has more than forty years of experience photographing New York City and its environs and editing the photos of others.

Contents