A brief, rapturous essay about a city that no longer exists.

Sure, "New York" exists in a physical sense. However, the New York of E.B. White's imagination is now barely more than a distant memory. It was first turned upside down by the urban crisis, which brought chaos and change. Then, it was further transformed by Giuliani's policies and the process of gentrification, which some might view as a final humiliation.

To the extent that, whenever I find myself in New York nowadays, and catch a glimpse of that old New York - with its wig shops, plumbing supply warehouses, and all the other elements that once defined it - jutting through the modern façade, it feels like a precious love letter being surreptitiously slipped to me from between the ubiquitous Chipotles. It's a reminder of a time when the city was different, a time that now seems almost mythical in its charm and character.

But as the city continues to evolve and change, it becomes increasingly difficult to hold onto those memories and to find those remnants of the past. And yet, perhaps that's what makes them all the more precious and worth celebrating.

In just 58 pages, E.B.White weaves a magical tale that not only explores the neighborhoods but also delves into the very "story" of New York City.

The essay was penned approximately 50 years ago. In the ever-evolving dynamics of today, some of the places vividly described within the book may have vanished. However, the essence of the city persists, palpable on each page and within every word.

I have been truly fortunate to have lived in New York. Thus, "Here is New York" served as a somewhat nostalgic journey for me. This "settler" couldn't help but conduct a little research after reading.

I simply had to know a little more about Turtle Bay and, of course, the tree. The allure of these elements within the text compelled me to dig deeper, to uncover the hidden details and the significance they held within the fabric of the city's history and culture.

Each page of the book seemed to unlock a new layer of understanding, transporting me back to the New York I once knew and loved. It was a journey that allowed me to rediscover the city's charm and its unique character, even through the words written so long ago.

So, E.B. White was indeed a great essayist of the 20th century. His prose is truly remarkable, yes. His observations are both witty and incisive, which have left a deep mark on the literary world.

However, I find myself a bit spoiled.

Spoiled by the Internet, to be precise. Because this seemingly never-ending essay gives the impression of a self-indulgent blog post. Oh, how wonderful it would be to live in an era when papers actually paid for blog posts!

I was also rather disappointed to note that half of the things White described as being so quintessentially New York are actually true of any big city. For example, he mentions that there are a million events going on, but he's never heard of any of them. Well, that's not only true in NYC but also in other cities where I've lived. Big cities like Seattle and Los Angeles, and even smaller ones like Fremont, CA and Oxford, UK.

Maybe it's just that I don't love New York enough. Maybe if I did, this essay would seem brilliant and nostalgic. But as it stands, it feels like an over-long post by another opinionated blogger who doesn't pay much attention to precision. (Not that there's anything inherently wrong with that. It's just that this volume doesn't quite live up to the hype it has received.)

"Here Is New York" is an essay penned by E.B. White in 1948 for the now-defunct travel magazine, Holiday. White, famous for "Charlotte's Web," presents a crisp and concise account of the city.

The essay is enjoyable until the last few pages, where it takes an unexpected turn. White's descriptions of his personal experiences and the outsider's view of New York are not particularly surprising. At the time of writing, the city was less extravagant and less populated, but some aspects of its culture remain the same.

White's complex understanding of New York as a sprawling, diverse, yet detached and lonesome place has become mainstream over the decades. This is the New York we know from music, books, and movies.

Towards the end, White's tone turns gloomy as he critically analyzes various elements of the city, such as racism, and imagines its future, overshadowed by a fear of its own demise. He is wary of overpopulation and disturbed by the neon lights and advertising displays.

White's words seem prophetic, as he senses a "greater tension, increased irritability" in the city. The writing is elegant, and the powerful closing makes up for any initial slowness. Although I may not love New York as many do, White makes me appreciate the passage of time and long for a simpler version of the city.

Some quotes from the book include: "I think that although many persons are here from some excess of spirit (which caused them to break away from their small town), some, too, are here from a deficiency of spirit, who find in New York a protection, or an easy substitution." and "It is a miracle that New York works at all. The whole thing is implausible. Every time the residents brush their teeth, millions of gallons of water must be drawn from the Catskills and the hills of Westchester."

Stunning!

Beautiful writing indeed. White penned this short and concise essay about Manhattan way back in 1948.

Surprisingly, it felt as contemporary as my own trip to that vibrant city in September 2016!

His words have the remarkable ability to bring back all the vivid sights, the bustling sounds, the unique smells, and most importantly, the intense FEELINGS that I had while being in that wonderful city that never sleeps.

It's as if he had a time-traveling device and could capture the essence of Manhattan not just in his era but also in a way that would resonate with future generations.

His descriptions are so detailed and engaging that it's easy to imagine oneself walking down the busy streets of Manhattan, experiencing all that it has to offer.

This essay is truly a masterpiece that showcases White's talent for painting a picture with words and making the reader feel as if they are right there in the heart of the action.

It's a must-read for anyone who has ever visited Manhattan or dreams of doing so.

“Here is New York” offers a vivid portrait of the city in 1948, just after World War II.

White focuses mainly on Manhattan, highlighting its contradictions and impossibilities.

The essay beautifully captures the unique experience of living in the city, where one can feel both incredibly close to others and completely isolated.

White calls this the “eighteen inches” that separate New Yorkers.

With him as our guide, we explore Manhattan and its diverse inhabitants.

We enjoy an open-air concert in Central Park, sit in a bar on East 53rd Street, and recall the strange cellular structure of skyscraper windows.

The essay ends by lamenting the changes the city has undergone.

The midcentury city White knew no longer exists, with automats, shoeshiners, and radio repair shops all gone.

Gentrification is causing neighborhoods to homogenize, making it increasingly unaffordable for the working class.

Despite these changes, “Here is New York” remains timeless because White perfectly captures the essence of the city: its fast pace, its swells and surges, its everyday indignities, and its impossible ability to function.

As he writes, “It is a miracle that New York works at all.”

The city should have been destroyed long ago by various disasters, but it persists, a testament to its resilience and unique charm.

Ahhh, this is a truly phenomenal capture of the essence of New York City!

It beautifully presents the aspects that make the city so special, the realities that every New Yorker firmly believes in and lives by. It's not just a description but an affirmation of why New York City is indeed one of the greatest in the world.

If you have any kind of fascination for or association with NYC, I wholeheartedly recommend this short essay. After spending 2.5 years living in the city, it's all too easy to become jaded and, frankly, used to the frills. However, reading this essay is like a refreshing breeze that reminds me of the magic and beauty that New York holds. It makes me appreciate the city all over again, seeing it through a new and more profound lens.

It's a wonderful piece that encapsulates the spirit of the city and leaves you with a sense of wonder and admiration.

An essay that was penned for The Holiday magazine a remarkable 75 years ago remains astonishingly recognizable even in the present day.

It contains a profound statement that goes, “No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky.”

This simple yet powerful sentence encapsulates the essence of the Big Apple.

New York is a city that has always been associated with dreams and opportunities.

It is a place where people from all over the world flock in the hope of achieving something great.

However, it is also a city that can be unforgiving and challenging.

To succeed in New York, one needs more than just hard work and determination.

One also needs a certain amount of luck.

This could come in the form of meeting the right people, being in the right place at the right time, or having a stroke of good fortune.

But being willing to be lucky means more than just hoping for the best.

It means being open to new experiences, taking risks, and not being afraid to fail.

It means having the courage to pursue one's dreams, even in the face of uncertainty.

In conclusion, the statement “No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky” is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago.

It serves as a reminder that while hard work and determination are essential, sometimes a little bit of luck can go a long way in achieving one's goals in the city that never sleeps.

This is a truly delightful love letter dedicated to the magnificent New York City.

Although I have never had the privilege of residing in NYC, I have visited there on numerous occasions, both for business purposes and for pure pleasure.

This charming little book masterfully describes the captivating sights, the vibrant sounds, and the unique feel of the city.

It is truly amazing how E.B. White is able to re-create the very essence, the feeling, and the rhythm of the city within such a concise tome.

I am also particularly fond of the way he vividly describes the three distinct groups of inhabitants in New York City: (1) those who are fortunate enough to be born there, having the city as their cradle and growing up with its unique charm; (2) those who commute there for work, traversing the city's bustling streets and subways every day to pursue their professional goals; and (3) those who make the decision to settle there in order to achieve their wildest dreams, drawn by the city's endless opportunities and its reputation as a place where anything is possible.

So, go ahead and enjoy this wonderful literary gem!

I truly loved this remarkable description of a 1948 New York City. It is astonishing how the author managed to compress all the essence and details of that era into a mere 56 pages.

Each page seems to unfold a new aspect of the vibrant city, with its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and diverse population. The description is so vivid that it transports the reader back in time, allowing them to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of 1948 New York.

From the glamorous nightlife of Broadway to the working-class neighborhoods, every corner of the city comes alive in this engaging narrative. It is a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on a bygone era. Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this description of 1948 New York City is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The city is indeed uncomfortable and inconvenient. The hustle and bustle, the crowded streets, the high cost of living, all these factors contribute to a certain degree of discomfort. However, New Yorkers, by their very nature, do not have a strong craving for comfort and convenience. If they did, they would surely choose to live elsewhere, in a more peaceful and laid-back environment.

On the other hand, New York City compensates for its many hazards and deficiencies. It provides its citizens with a large dose of a supplementary vitamin - the sense of belonging to something truly unique, cosmopolitan, mighty, and unparalleled. In this vibrant city, people from all over the world come together, bringing with them their diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. This creates a rich and dynamic tapestry that is both exciting and inspiring.

New York City is a place where dreams are made and broken, where opportunities abound, and where anything is possible. It is a city that challenges its residents to be their best selves, to push beyond their limits, and to embrace the unknown. And for those who are willing to take on this challenge, the rewards can be truly great.

<3 <3 <3

Reread again after many years and just fell under the spell of EB White's perfect prose.

It is truly a classic that never loses its charm. EB White's writing is like a magical potion that draws you in and makes you unable to put the book down.

His words are so carefully chosen and arranged that they create a vivid and enchanting world in your mind.

Each sentence is a work of art, filled with beauty, wisdom, and a deep understanding of human nature.

Rereading his works is like taking a journey through time and space, experiencing the emotions and thoughts of the characters as if they were your own.

It is a reminder of the power of good writing and the importance of preserving classic literature for future generations to enjoy.