Kyle Brooky has always been interested in the strange and offbeat. From a young age, he always wondered what lied within that "spooky old house" in the woods near his grandparents' cottage. In 2016, along with a partner, he formed Ruin Road, a video blog dedicated to exploring abandoned and forgotten buildings. Utilizing his media production degree, he has been dedicated to preserving these beautiful places through film and photographs to tell the history that is now forgotten by most. In his spare time, he enjoys writing screenplays and collecting movies.
Few cities have seen the rise and fall that Detroit has. At its height, it was the fourth largest city in the U.S. with 1.85 million residents. Today there are...
"In 2006, Michigan's unemployment rate was recorded as being the worst in the entire United States. People left. Businesses closed. Once swarming cities were full of boarded-up windows and locked...
From its start until the 1980s, few cities rivaled the industrialization and growth of Flint, Michigan, but times would change. With the closure of the General Motors plants, the city,...
By 1920, Cleveland had become the fifth largest city in the US, but along with growth came an increase in crime, beginning in the prohibition years. After race riots in...
In 2006, Michigan’s unemployment rate was recorded as being the worst in the entire United States. People left. Businesses closed. Once swarming cities were full of boarded-up windows and locked...
📸✨ Just picked up NolaDeej’s *Deserted New Orleans* and it is outstanding!
It is outstanding to learn the history of abandoned New Orleans from a true native who knows every back road and forgotten corner of the city. His passion for the lost and forgotten is evident on every single page — you can feel the respect and wonder in his words and photos as he brings those haunting landmarks back to life.
The images pull you right in, capturing that beautiful Southern decay and the stories time tried to erase. It’s the kind of book that makes you slow down, linger, and really see the magic in what most folks drive right past.
Highly recommended for your coffee table — it’s one you’ll keep coming back to with your morning coffee, flipping through and getting lost in the history all over again. If you love urban exploration, Southern charm, or just damn good storytelling through pictures, this one’s a must-have. 🤠📖
Big thanks to NolaDeej for sharing his hometown’s hidden side with the world!
Deserted New Orleans: A Journey Through Abandoned Landmarks
Stephanie
This author does an excellent job at explaining the importance and history behind these now abandoned buildings. The photographs in this book are breathtaking. Every page you turn feels like you’re transported back in time. I highly recommend this book if you’re interested in history and abandoned asylums. 100/10!
Abandoned Asylums and Institutions of Massachusetts: The Bay State of Decay Rises
Rosa
Incredible history of New jersey’s southern beaches towns with great photos!
I purchased this second volume of the Ocean Access series; part one was for the northern beaches (point pleasant, LBI) - this one covers those between Atlantic City and Cape May. While I’ve been to both of these towns, I’ve never made to the other ones featured in this book and WOW - they look amazing. Avalon, Sea isle City, Stone Harbor - The photos in this book make these towns look like postcards. I always wanted to learn about how these shore towns began, and these two Ocean Access books explain it perfectly.
Ocean Access: The Beachfront Towns of Atlantic & Cape May County, New Jersey
Ruth Mattingly
Great Asylum Documentation
Excellent documentation of the many asylums of New York. Great photography and plenty of interesting facts. Also a great explorer :)
Abandoned Asylums and Institutions of New York: The Empire State Strikes Back
C Sonder
“Memphis: Juke Joints, Civil Rights, and Soulful Nights” by Adam David is a heartfelt photographic tribute to the rich history and vibrant culture of Memphis. Through compelling street photography, David captures the city’s essence—from its musical heritage and civil rights landmarks to the enduring spirit of its people. This collection not only showcases iconic scenes but also delves into the narratives that have shaped Memphis, making it a must-have for both locals and visitors seeking a deeper connection to the city and the indelible mark it made on the blues and beyond.
Memphis: Juke Joints, Civil Rights, and Soulful Nights
Excellent book! It was such a good read, that I couldn't put it down. There were great stories with lots of interesting facts. Barry's writing style makes the reading informative and interesting. And each story includes amazing photographs that brought me right there to the scene of the action.