E.B. White’s “Here is New York”, although published over 50 years ago, highlights a variety of aspects of city living that still ring true today. Although technological advances have been made over time, and neighborhoods have changed, the very essence of New York City has remained the same. I don’t believe it’s the shops that make the difference. It is the nitty gritty pieces of New York life that help us recognize and differentiate our city.

It seems as though, in the time that has passed, the bustling city life, the ever reaching skyline, and the architecture have only grown bolder. The population has changed but the parks still flourish, businesses run, and every man and woman on the street know this is New York.

While reading the book, I don’t think It occurred to me more than once or twice that this book was written in the late 40’s. His description of the city is so relevant to modern day New York City life that, without the small distinctions, it would be hard to date. New York’s tiny self sustainable neighborhoods with varieties of shops and businesses, the raging traffic hours, and the habits of the natives are simply spot on in his book.

If I’d written this book today, I’d have tried to describe the beauty of New York as it’s always been. I’d incorporate the beauty of its busyness, and the hopeful atmosphere that hangs around the corners, and try not to define this city life by jamming the book with references to modern day advertising, technology, and other things that haven’t contributed as greatly to its prestige.