The best account of what New York City is and what it is to be a New Yorker was written in the nuclear age. However, it revealed its prescience post 9-11. This essay has the power to either give you profound insights into the minds and souls of New Yorkers or it might reveal that you are one yourself, even if that aspect remains latent within you.

E.B. White is truly one of the greatest essayists of all time. His words have the ability to transport readers to the vibrant streets of New York City, to make them feel the energy and excitement that courses through the city. Through his writing, he captures the essence of what it means to be a New Yorker, the unique blend of toughness and vulnerability, of ambition and compassion. His essay is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers today, long after it was first written. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true spirit of New York City and its people.

Why I live here?

There are numerous reasons that compel me to live in this place.

I love New York with all its imperfections. It is a city that is both ugly and awesome, a unique combination that draws me in.

The chaos and the hustle and bustle on the streets, the diverse architecture that ranges from the magnificent skyscrapers to the old and sometimes rundown buildings, all contribute to its charm.

The energy here is palpable, it's like a never-ending current that keeps me going.

The people are from all walks of life, bringing with them different cultures, languages, and stories.

Living here means being exposed to a constant stream of new experiences, opportunities, and challenges.

It's a city that makes you feel alive, that pushes you to grow and become a better version of yourself.

That's why I choose to live here, in this vibrant and dynamic city of New York.

It's going to be extremely hard to part ways with this city. I firmly believe that everyone experiences the same sentiment when they bid farewell to New York. There must be a certain kind of bittersweet sense of relief that comes with leaving, intertwined with the awareness of the impending and inevitable nostalgia.

I have a deep affection for this book, and I'm overjoyed that in 2016, it still manages to resonate with the New York experience. How truly perceptive E.B. White was! He captured the essence of the New York experience with such remarkable precision. It's a beautiful experience, both the city of New York and this wonderful book.

The hustle and bustle of the city, the diverse cultures, the iconic landmarks - all of these elements contribute to making New York a one-of-a-kind place. And this book seems to encapsulate all of that, allowing readers to relive the magic of the city through its pages.

As I think about leaving, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness. But at the same time, I know that the memories I've made here will stay with me forever. And perhaps, one day, I'll return and be reunited with this amazing city once again.

This is truly the best account of NYC that has ever been penned. It is an absolute must-read for anyone who is planning to relocate to the city or is already residing there.

“The island of Manhattan is, without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest human concentration on earth. It is like a poem whose magic is understandable to millions of permanent residents, yet whose full meaning will forever remain elusive.” Elusive indeed, even after 70 years have passed.

New York City is a place that has always fascinated people from all over the world. Its energy, diversity, and opportunities draw countless individuals. This article provides a unique perspective on the city, capturing its essence in a way that few others have.

Whether you are a newcomer or a long-time resident, you will find something in this piece that will resonate with you. It will make you see the city in a new light and appreciate its beauty and complexity.

So, if you want to truly understand what makes NYC so special, be sure to read this article. It is a literary gem that will leave you with a deeper understanding and love for the city that never sleeps.

Many years ago, I was given this little gem as a gift.

Regrettably, it has long been forgotten among the numerous unread books on my many shelves.

Thankfully, I finally decided to pick it up randomly.

Now I understand why this is considered a classic essay.

White's observations about New York in the mid-20th century are just as relevant today.

He pinpoints the essential elements that shape the character of this extraordinary city.

Today, these characteristics may manifest differently, but they still uphold the essence that White describes in this essay.

At the end, when White mentions the few ways he can imagine the destruction of New York, it seems almost prophetic in light of the events of 9/11.

I'm certain Mr. White would be pleased to know that New York and its indomitable residents refused to let "a single flight of planes no bigger than a wedge of geese" bring it down!

February 2025 Review

The vocabulary and references employed in this essay are truly what render it remarkable. It is indeed a pity that it is not longer. I earnestly wish that the author would have delved deeper and discussed an even greater number of NYC neighborhoods and cultural markers. My days in NYC are now a distant memory, yet I still find great pleasure in rereading this essay. It serves as a wonderful reminder of the vibrant and diverse city that it was.

May 2018 Review

It is truly astonishing that this essay was penned in 1949. It flawlessly captures the essence of New York, and that essence remains just as relevant today. The final portion regarding planes flying overhead and the UN moving in takes on an ominous tone in the wake of 9/11. White managed to predict far more than he could have ever possibly anticipated. If you have had the experience of living in New York, this is an essay that you must read. It offers a unique perspective on the city and its evolution over time.

I've probably read this essay five or six times.

It is truly a beautiful tribute to New York City.

New York City is a place like no other, filled with energy, excitement, and a unique charm.

The author has captured the essence of this great city and the yearning that it inspires in people.

Whether it's the bright lights of Times Square, the iconic skyline, or the diverse cultures and neighborhoods, New York City has something for everyone.

It is a place that dreams are made of, where people come from all over the world to pursue their goals and make their mark.

This essay not only celebrates the beauty and wonder of New York City but also the spirit of those who are drawn to it.

It is a reminder of the power of a city to inspire and transform, and of the importance of following our hearts and pursuing our passions.

I will continue to read this essay and be inspired by its words.

In a profound way, it serves as a powerful symbol of the city. It represents life thriving under arduous difficulties, growth defying all odds, the rise of vitality even in the midst of the unyielding concrete. It is like a silent witness, steadily reaching for the sun, no matter what challenges come its way.

Whenever I cast my gaze upon it nowadays, and feel the cold shadow of the planes passing overhead, a resolute thought takes hold within me: “This must be saved, this particular thing, this very tree.” For if it were to be lost, it seems as if all would go with it. This city, with its mischievous charm and marvelous allure, is like a monument. To not look upon it would be equivalent to experiencing a kind of death, a loss of something precious and irreplaceable.

It is this tree that anchors our connection to the city, that reminds us of its resilience and beauty in the face of adversity. It is a symbol that we cannot afford to let fade away.

I'm in desperate need of some encouragement as I'm about to move to NYC soon.

The thought of this big transition is both exciting and nerve-wracking.

I've been hearing a lot about how amazing NYC is, but there's still a part of me that's scared.

However, when I heard EB's description, it really made it sound right up my alley!

It gave me a glimmer of hope and made me think that maybe this move won't be so bad after all.

I'm trying to focus on the positive aspects and look forward to all the new opportunities and experiences that await me in the Big Apple.

I know it's going to be a challenge, but I'm ready to take it on and make the most of this adventure.

I just need a little more encouragement to keep my spirits high and push through the uncertainties.

The introduction dating back to 1999 and the original essay by White from 1948 offer a captivating outlook on the extent of change in New York City.

Despite the numerous alterations over the years, there are fundamental aspects that remain constant.

For instance, the dynamic interaction between city natives, commuters, and those who relocate to the city will always persist.

However, there are a couple of rather uncomfortable instances of elitism in the essay.

Phrases like "the Irish are a hard race to tune out" seem inappropriate and detract from what is otherwise an engaging piece.

It's important to note that I read this during the 2017 Book Riot "read harder" challenge, and it meets the criteria of "Read a book that is set within 100 miles of your location."

This not only makes the reading experience more relevant but also allows for a deeper exploration of the local context and the evolution of the city.

Overall, while the essay has its flaws, it still provides valuable insights into the ever-changing yet timeless nature of New York City.

Truth telling - I didn't read this edition.

After reading Betsy Robinson's wonderful - and personal - review of the book (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), I was inspired to pull Essays of E.B. White off the shelf where it had been gathering dust for far too many years and read this essay. (Thanks for the much-needed kick in the pants, Betsy.)

I can't claim to add much of great importance or grace to Betsy's review. I'm essentially a small town guy who can't tolerate the hustle and bustle of New York (Manhattan, in particular) for an extended period. HOWEVER, I do have a penchant for reading about New York, and I especially relished reading this piece.

There are more precious anecdotes and profound insights on any single page of this essay than one would find in ten pages of most ordinary essays.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm not a New Yorker, but I do have a short story that might, in some way, be related to Mr. White's essay.

About ten years ago, my wife and I were in Manhattan for a few days. One afternoon, we left our hotel and walked to the American Museum of Folk Art (when it was located near MOMA) to view an exhibition of Ulysses Davis' carved sculptures. When we exited the museum, my wife was fatigued, so I hailed a cab to return to the hotel. The driver seemed to be having a rather lousy day. My wife inquired where he was from, and he simply replied, "Mali". He was playing some recorded music that sounded极为 familiar to me, and I asked him if it was Baaba Maal. His eyes lit up, and a smile instantly replaced his previously gloomy expression. "Man, you know him? He's my MAN. I saw him in concert last year." The remainder of our ride had an entirely different ambiance - the magical power of music to transform and unite people, even if only for a brief moment. When we arrived at our destination, I gave the man from Mali a generous tip and, more significantly to me, we exchanged a handshake. He left my wife and me with a pleasant memory. I hope he was left with the same.

If my memory serves me correctly, this is the music that was playing in the taxi back then:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPiAS...

I needed to remember why I moved back