Having been stuck in the rain in a taxi on Third Avenue yesterday, I thought I would walk to my meeting on Lexington Avenue.
I have been struck by the fashion for tall, skinny buildings which New Yorkers hate because they feel that they are disfiguring the traditional skyline. I like them because they are unexpected feats of engineering and design, introducing a new vocabulary to the skyscraper.
There were two on 23rd. Street:-
I got a good view of the Chrysler Building:-
My destination was 570 Lexington Avenue, the General Electric Building, designed by Cross and Cross – a building with remarkably well preserved art deco detailing:-
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
Your observation of architectural detail is outstandingly good : so much better than Pevsner, who I continue to revere.
The case for a book of American Blogs is conclusive, I think. I hope your publisher agrees !