Coney Island: 40 Years, 1970-2010

by Harvey Stein

Since 1970, when world-renowned photographer Harvey Stein first turned his discerning eye toward Coney Island, his love affair with this New York beachfront amusement park began to grow. Over 200 compelling black and white photos tell the tale of his 40-year romance with this iconic locale. Entering Coney Island through his lens is like stepping into another culture, capturing the lives and times of those who work and play there. There is a sense of adventure, a thrilling escape from daily worries, and much pleasure, whether riding the jarring Cyclone roller coaster, walking the boardwalk, viewing the Mermaid Parade, or sunbathing on the beach. Coney Island, America's first amusement park, is celebrated worldwide. It is a fantasyland of the past with an irrepressible optimism about its future.