Through the decades, Madison Square has managed to remain one of the most vital places in the heart of New York City. Its picturesque past has been recaptured in countless short stories, paintings, and photographs, a few of which are excerpted here. In this fascinating and richly illustrated historical review of the square and its people, we learn that its most famous residents are the Flatiron Building and the New York Life and Met Life Buildings. Its most infamous saying is 23 skidoo. Its most prolific architect and artist are Stanford White and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Anecdotes and solid historical summaries acquaint us with all the movers and shakers who have made Madison Square what it is today -- from P. T. Barnum and his circus to Credit Suisse First Boston. Author Miriam Berman captures the personality of Madison Square and its environs in stunning archival and contemporary photographs, historic events and memorable anecdotes. Come -- experience a vital piece of New York's resplendent past.