The Great Riots of New York: 1712-1873

Most likely one of the seminal books on New York history, at least the violent side of it. Many books like Luc Sante's "Low Life" and Herbert Asbury's "Gangs of New York" draw from this 1873 book, which has an account of riots covering nearly 160 years of New York history. Nearly half the book is devoted to the Draft Riot of 1863, and it's a riveting account of the riot. (Alas, many of the illustrations appear out of place, pages away from the description, something admitted at the very end of the book.) There's also material on long-forgotten incidents, like the Doctor's Riot and the Astor Place Riot, both of which were profiled in American Heritage years ago. If you love New York City history, this is probably a book you should have.