New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world and it's history is a fascinating exploration into development of a major metropolis. Edward Winslow Martin wrote The Secrets of the Great City, subtitles A Work Descriptive of the Virtues and the Vices, the Mysteries, Miseries and Crimes of New York City. The book in an in depth study of New York from its geography to the make up of its population. It is an excellent historical account of the city and its growth.