Manual for Use of the Legislature of the State of New York

The Manual for the Use of the Legislature of the State of New York, often referred to as the 'Legislative Manual' or the 'Red Book,' has been published annually by the New York Department of State since its inception in the early 19th century. Originally mandated to provide legislators with essential contact information, district maps, and procedural rules, the volume evolved into a comprehensive repository of state government data. It reflects the administrative history of New York, documenting the growth of executive departments, judicial branches, and the shifting geography of political representation.

The design of the Manual has historically leaned toward utilitarian elegance, characterized by its signature red binding which earned it the enduring nickname 'The Red Book.' While the early editions were modest in scope, mid-century versions incorporated more robust organizational structures and detailed demographic statistics. The volume was created as a non-partisan reference tool for public officials, and it remains a primary source for political historians tracking the functional evolution of one of the nation's most complex state legislative bodies.