Cathedrals of Industry: Exploring the Factories and Infrastructure That Made America

Unpacking my copy of Michael Horowitz’s Cathedrals of Industry, my first impression was, now this is a book! Beautifully curated, this book, in all aspects is impressive.I was unsure if I would have much in common with the subject matter, given my background as a nature photographer. Michael provides the reader with an up-close and personal sojourn into the glory days of American ingenuity.As I leafed through the glossy pages, a feeling of melancholy washed over me. I was reminded of the pride and loyalty factory workers once felt working for one of these companies.Michaels intimate images pulled me into each factory scene. The grinding machines, leather work smell, and bustle of an Art Deco terminal were vivid in my mind.I also re-discovered an old haunt I frequented in my youth, M&S flowers. An over-stuffed shop ablaze with color was always on my things to-do list when in “The” city. QRS Music also brought back, memories. When I was young, we had a player piano. It was my job to set up the music rolls before a party and fill the living room candy dish with Joyas Jellies.James O. Holtie's narration of Michael's images creates a beautifully crafted framework for these industry stories. Stories may have been lost in time without the gift of Michael's nostalgia and James illuminating words.Thank you Michael for this glorious book and for, “Still being here.”

Beautiful views of vanishing industrial subjects

Overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of this gorgeous book! Wide-ranging sites - inclusionary, often surprising and profoundly stirring. It is a deep photographic exploration - with an excellent text - of a variety of experiences (rusting abandoned steel milks; the last of the silk flower manufacturers; the piers; the Joyva plant.... the exquisite image of the contents of a dumped file drawer) - visual commentary that is testimony of an artist's perception, eye and technique. This book is a treasure.

This book takes us on a wonderful trip through industry the way it was in the US over many years even Generations. That life we used to live is come and gone but through Michael's eyes we get to see a piece of History before it went away it's a fascinating book with amazing photographs. Anyone can enjoy the cathedrals of Industry Through The Eyes of this talented photographer.

Michael Horowitz has done it again! What a treat to explore this book of stunning photographs and a glimpse back in time. Those of us who can remember some of the products that used to be made in America will particularly enjoy this book. Put it on your coffee table and share this visual journey through the past with friends old and young.

Horowitz is a masterful photographer and printer with experience spanning the film era to today.This is a great photography book with excellent prose to match the quality of the imagery of our significant past when we actually built things with hands and machines that required gears and pulleys, etc.If you like this book, also examine Michael's first book: Devine New York. Both books occupy a special place in my library, and, I would expect, yours as well.

A captivating exploration of America's industrial past

A wonderful photographic journey through past and now defunct industries. Amazing photographs! Beautifully produced book.