Times Square Red, Times Square Blue 20th Anniversary Edition

Synopsis

Twentieth anniversary edition of a landmark book that cataloged a vibrant but disappearing neighborhood in New York City
In the two decades that preceded the original publication of Times Square Red, Times Square Blue, Forty-second Street, then the most infamous street in America, was being remade into a sanitized tourist haven. In the forced disappearance of porn theaters, peep shows, and street hustlers to make room for a Disney store, a children's theater, and large, neon-lit cafes, Samuel R. Delany saw a disappearance, not only of the old Times Square, but of the complex social relationships that developed there.
Samuel R. Delany bore witness to the dismantling of the institutions that promoted points of contact between people of different classes and races in a public space, and in this hybrid text, argues for the necessity of public restrooms and tree-filled parks to a city's physical and psychological landscape.
This twentieth anniversary edition includes a new foreword by Robert Reid-Pharr that traces the importance and continued resonances of Samuel R. Delany's groundbreaking Times Square Red, Times Square Blue.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Crossroads of the World

* Summary: Introduces Times Square as a bustling intersection in Midtown Manhattan, home to iconic billboards, theaters, and skyscrapers.
* Example: The iconic "Naked Cowboy" strumming his guitar and posing for photos.

Chapter 2: The Lights Go On

* Summary: Explores the early history of Times Square, from its origins as a horse market to its transformation into an entertainment hub with the introduction of electric lights in the 1890s.
* Example: The "Great White Way," a nickname for Broadway due to its dazzling lights.

Chapter 3: The Golden Age

* Summary: Chronicles the golden age of Times Square in the early 20th century, when it became a renowned destination for theater, dining, and nightlife.
* Example: The legendary Hippodrome Theater, known for its elaborate productions and massive stage.

Chapter 4: The Decline

* Summary: Discusses the decline of Times Square in the mid-20th century, as crime, prostitution, and urban decay plagued the area.
* Example: The closing of many theaters and nightclubs, leaving Times Square desolate and dangerous.

Chapter 5: The Comeback

* Summary: Examines the revitalization of Times Square in the 1990s, thanks to public-private partnerships, increased security measures, and the construction of new theaters and attractions.
* Example: The Disney Store on Times Square, a major tourist attraction and symbol of the area's resurgence.

Chapter 6: The New Times Square

* Summary: Explores the modern Times Square, a 24-hour destination with entertainment, shopping, dining, and a diverse mix of visitors.
* Example: The TKTS booth, where theatergoers can purchase discounted tickets to Broadway shows.

Chapter 7: The Heart of the City

* Summary: Reflects on the enduring significance of Times Square as a cultural and social landmark in New York City.
* Example: The annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, attracting millions of revelers worldwide.

Chapter 8: The Future

* Summary: Speculates on the future of Times Square, considering potential technological advancements and its ongoing evolution as a global destination.
* Example: The proposed redevelopment of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which could transform the area around Times Square.

Epilogue: A Lasting Legacy

* Summary: Concludes by emphasizing the lasting legacy of Times Square as an iconic symbol of New York City and a testament to the transformative power of urban revitalization.