For over forty years, New York-based photographer Meryl Meisler has been documenting the grit and the glamour, the decay and the rebirth of her home city, with a particular focus on the exhilarating -- and tumultuous -- '70s. Her previous book, A Tale of Two Cities: Disco Era Bushwick, juxtaposed the glittery nightlife of the period with images shot in Bushwick, including photos of residents hanging out in front of graffitied doorways and empty lots of rubble. Her newest collection continues this idea of a study in contrasts but this time turns its attention to the wild, libertine scene happening in Manhattan with the quieter, family-oriented traditions continuing in the suburbs. Purgatory & Paradise Sassy '70s Suburbia & the City includes photos of Meisler's own family members and friends at Jewish holidays, weddings, and the beauty parlor along with images of Patti Smith performing at CBGB, naked men on Fire Island and exotic dancers with tips collected in their fishnet stockings. The book, which is out now, can be purchased HERE and you can preview some of our favorite photos below.

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Punk Snear
Stiv Bators, Dead Boys. CBGB
NY, NY
April 1977

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Hustler on a Boat
Fire Island Pines, NY
July 1978

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Stacey Walking Down Playmate's Stairs with tips in her Stockings
NY, NY
1978

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

On the "Big Day" Susan Could Still Find Something to Make her Sad
Huntington Town House, NY
June 1975

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

A Flower Outside CBGB OMFUG
NY, NY
April 1977

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Father and sons in 3 Piece Suits at the Easter Parade
NY, NY
Easter Sunday 1977

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Two Nudes with Jewelry on Beach
Cherry Grove Fire Island, NY
Labor Day 1977

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

The Meisler, Forkash & Cash Clan Welcoming a Sweet New Year
North Massapequa, NY
Rosh Hashanah 1974

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Elda (Gentile) Stilletto and Guitarists at CBGB
NY, NY
April 1978

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

King Shalom's Rubies (L to R: Helen, Ronda and Stephanie)
The Mystery Club
Seaford, NY
June 1975

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Crowning the Plainedge High School Prom Queen
Huntington Town House
Huntington, NY
June 1976

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Corrugated Hoses Emitting Smoke at Les Mouches Send in the Clones Party
NY, NY
June 1978

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Patti Smith Sings Gloria at CBGB
NY, NY
April 1977

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Mom Getting her hair Teased at Besame Beauty Salon
North Massapequa, NY
June 1979

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

Jive Guy on Williamsburg Subway
Brooklyn, NY
March 1978

70s suburbia

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photo by Meryl Meisler

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