Here Is New York

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Perceptive, funny, and nostalgic, E.B. White's stroll around Manhattan remains the quintessential love letter to the city, written by one of America's foremost literary figures. The New York Times has named Here is New York one of the ten best books ever written about the metropolis, and The New Yorker calls it "the wittiest essay, and one of the most perceptive, ever done on the city.

56 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1948

About the author

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Elwyn Brooks White was a leading American essayist, author, humorist, poet and literary stylist and author of such beloved children's classics as Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. He graduated from Cornell University in 1921 and, five or six years later, joined the staff of The New Yorker magazine. He authored over seventeen books of prose and poetry and was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1973.

White always said that he found writing difficult and bad for one's disposition.

Mr. White has won countless awards, including the 1971 National Medal for Literature and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, which commended him for making “a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.”

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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New York City, often referred to as the "Concrete Jungle," is a place where dreams are made of.

It is a metropolis that exudes an unparalleled energy and opportunity. In this vibrant city, there truly is nothing you can't do.

Whether you aspire to be a successful artist, a powerful business mogul, or a renowned scholar, New York has the resources and the platform to make your dreams a reality.

The city is home to world-class museums, theaters, and universities, as well as a diverse and dynamic population.

Here, you can immerse yourself in different cultures, meet new people, and expand your horizons.

Now that you're in New York, the possibilities are endless.

So go ahead, chase your dreams, and make your mark on this iconic city.
July 14,2025
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*sings out loud*
Iiiii love New York
and I cannot lie

This piece of writing is essentially a love song in the shape of a book. It expresses the author's deep affection and passion for New York. The simple yet powerful words "I love New York" are repeated, emphasizing the intensity of the emotion.

The addition of "and I cannot lie" further emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the love. It's as if the author is unable to hide or deny their feelings for the city.

However, there is a warning at the end. "Don't read it if you have been missing New York since forever." This implies that the piece may evoke strong emotions and longing in those who have a deep connection with the city and have been away from it for a long time.

Overall, this short article is a beautiful and evocative tribute to New York, capturing the essence of the city's charm and the love it inspires in those who experience it.
July 14,2025
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EXCELLENT.

This truly remarkable item will most definitely be my go-to gift for those individuals who are either moving to or from the vibrant city of New York.

It serves as a vivid snapshot of a particular time, yet it holds a certain timeless quality that makes it even more special.

The details captured within this piece are so rich and engaging that it allows the viewer to truly immerse themselves in the essence of New York.

Whether it's the hustle and bustle of the city streets, the iconic landmarks, or the diverse culture, this gift encapsulates it all.

It's not just a physical object, but a memory that can be cherished for a lifetime.

So, the next time I need to find the perfect gift for someone in relation to their New York journey, this will be the first thing that comes to my mind.

July 14,2025
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A short and beautiful tribute to New York City.


Written in the 1940s, E.B. White's work truly captures the essence of this amazing city. He manages to convey the spirit and energy that courses through its streets, the unique charm of its various neighborhoods, and the diverse and interesting people who call it home.


New York City is a place like no other, a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and dreams. It is a city that never sleeps, always bustling with activity and excitement.


E.B. White's words serve as an appetizer for a future visit, whetting our appetite and making us eager to explore all that this incredible metropolis has to offer.


Whether you're interested in art, music, theater, or simply people-watching, New York City has something for everyone.


So come and experience the magic of New York City for yourself, and discover why it has captured the hearts and imaginations of people from all over the world.

July 14,2025
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An ultra-concentrated collection of impressions about the city and its inhabitants, extremely valuable considering the time when the author wrote it (1949). Towards the end, a kind of chilling prophecy: "The subtlest change that New York has experienced is something that people don't talk about too much but that is in everyone's imagination. The city, for the first time in its long history, has become vulnerable. A squadron of planes only slightly larger than a flock of geese could quickly put an end to this island of fantasy and burn the towers, bring down the bridges, turn the subway tunnels into death traps and incinerate millions. Intimacy with death now forms part of New York: it is in the sound of the reactors in the sky and in the black headlines of the last edition."

This vivid description not only paints a detailed picture of New York at that time but also anticipates the potential threats and vulnerabilities that the city might face in the future. The author's words seem to foreshadow the events that would unfold in the years to come, making this piece even more relevant and thought-provoking.

Moreover, the use of powerful imagery and metaphors adds a layer of depth and intensity to the text. The comparison of the squadron of planes to a flock of geese creates a sense of unexpected danger, while the description of the subway tunnels as death traps evokes a feeling of horror and claustrophobia. Overall, this article is a remarkable piece of writing that offers a unique perspective on New York and its place in the world.

July 14,2025
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I've reread this a couple of times since I relocated to New York.

At times, when I am strolling around the city, snippets of White's essay will come to my mind.

Currently, the most relevant part for me is his portrayal of those who move to New York from elsewhere: "

...the city of final destination, the city that is a goal.

...each embraces New York with the intense excitement of first love, each absorbs New York with the fresh eyes of an adventurer, each generates heat and light to dwarf the Consolidated Edison Company."

This description truly captures the essence of what it feels like to come to this vibrant city.

New York is not just a place to live; it's a dream, a destination that people from all over the world strive to reach.

When they first arrive, they are filled with a sense of wonder and excitement, as if they have discovered a new world.

They see the city with fresh eyes, noticing every detail and experiencing every moment to the fullest.

And in doing so, they bring their own unique energy and passion to the city, making it even more alive and dynamic.

Just like White said, they generate heat and light that can rival even the mightiest of companies.

New York is a city that thrives on the dreams and aspirations of its people, and it is this energy that makes it such a special place.
July 14,2025
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E.B. White's Here Is New York has been lauded as a'remarkable, pristine essay'. The New York Times even lists it among the best ten books ever penned about the 'grand metropolis'. White's piece was initially an article for Holiday magazine, and he refused to make any revisions before its 1948 book publication. New York is one of my all-time favorite cities, and I've long been eager to read White's essay. Fortunately, my parents gave me a lovely slim hardback copy, introduced by Roger Angell, for Christmas.

In Here Is New York, the reader has the privilege of strolling around Manhattan 'arm-in-arm' with White. Of course, the city view we get is an outdated one - seventy years bring significant change. White himself writes about his decision not to revise: 'The reader will find certain observations no longer true due to time and the pendulum's swing.' Angell justifies this lack of revision, saying, 'The thought occurs that this book should now be called Here Was New York, but White foresaw this. The tone is already valedictory, and as he describes the city's gifts, he sees changes "in tempo and temper". Change is what this book is about.' Angell touchingly adds that 'Even as he looked at the great city, [White] was missing what it had been.'

Here Is New York is not a long essay, consisting of just 7,500 words. In his introduction, Ansell writes that despite its'modest length... it speaks more eloquently about what lasts and matters than other, more expansive pieces.' White isn't always complimentary about the city, but one can sense his passion for the topic. Early in the essay, he writes: 'The capacity to make such dubious gifts is a mysterious quality of New York. It can destroy or fulfill an individual, depending on luck. No one should come to live here unless willing to be lucky.'

As a modern reader, I was unfamiliar with many of the places White mentions. However, his descriptions are vivid, as if one could turn a corner and find oneself in a place he mentioned decades ago. Much of what he says about the city's inhabitants still feels relevant: 'Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness; natives give it solidity and continuity; but the settlers give it passion.'

Here Is New York has a wonderful, sometimes sad, nostalgic feel. Throughout, White's writing is measured and intelligent. New York is a character in itself, recognized in all its grit and beauty. I'll end with a beautiful and sweeping description of the city as White saw it years ago: 'The city is like poetry: it compresses all life, all races and breeds, into a small island and adds music and the accompaniment of internal engines. The island of Manhattan is without doubt the greatest human concentrate on earth, the poem whose magic is comprehensible to millions of permanent residents but whose full meaning will always remain elusive.'
July 14,2025
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I absolutely adored this essay dedicated to New York. EB White is truly an astonishing writer.

His use of imagery is simply remarkable, as he has the ability to effortlessly evoke a sense of nostalgia for the vibrant city.

What I find particularly fascinating is how he zeroes in on the unchanging aspects that still remain present today.

It's as if he has captured the essence of New York in a time capsule, allowing readers to experience the city's charm and character across different eras.

EB White's writing is truly a force to be reckoned with. His words have the power to transport us to the bustling streets of New York and make us fall in love with the city all over again.

He is a master of his craft, and his work will continue to be cherished and celebrated for generations to come. EB White truly rules.
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