Michael S. Durham, born and raised in New York City, now lives far from those streets in rural upstate New York. His continuing interest in the city is reflected in his writings, particularly the Mid-Atlantic volume of the Smithsonian Guides to Historic America. He has been an editor at the American Heritage Publishing Company and a correspondent, writer, and editor for Life magazine in both Paris and New York City. From experience he knows that New York City is not only a fine place to visit but a great place to live as well.