Queens

Charts the historical development of Queens from the 1920s to today, focusing on its profound diversity.

Charts the historical development of Queens from the 1920s to today, focusing on its profound diversity.

Queens charts the history of residential development of the New York City borough from the 1920s to today. The work focuses on the borough's most remarkable aspect: its profound diversity as a multiethnic, multiracial, and multireligious place. The narrative traces the evolution of Queens from a quasi-suburb of Manhattan for the white middle class into the most diverse county in the United States and, many contend, the most diverse place on the planet. Following this trajectory adds much to our understanding of the borough, the city, the country, and even the world.

Lawrence R. Samuel is a Miami- and New York City–based independent scholar. He is the author of many books, including The End of the Innocence: The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair and Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream.

Lawrence R. Samuel is a Miami- and New York City–based independent scholar. He is the author of many books, including The End of the Innocence: The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair and Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream.

"Residents of Queens and outsiders as well at last have a serious account of how Queens became what it is now and a model of the future." — Carol Herselle Krinsky, Professor of Art History, New York University

"An enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of Queens' historical residential development from the 1920s to the present day. This work stands as a timely and essential contribution, offering readers a captivating exploration of the multicultural mosaic that makes Queens a truly unique and vibrant community." — Brian K. Perkins, Director, Programs in Education Leadership, Columbia University