Quotable New York

I worked in New York in the early 70's;and when I came across this little book;I simply couldn't resist it. It has over 400 quotes about New York,New Yorkers,visitors and many other quotes about the city. In the Preface,the question "What is a New Yorker?" is attempted to be answered; but it seems as difficult as another;"Who are the Irish?" No wonder ,as they are much the same with the flavor of the Jewish,Italians,Puerto Ricians,Blacks,and people from nations all over the world thrown in for good measure. The quotes are presented in 8 sections with an index giving all those quoted and the page numbers. When I was there,I quickly learned what the words,Manhattan,The City,Gotham,The Big Apple meant and why they couldn't be applied to any other place. When someone thinks of New York,it is the people that immediately comes to mind.There is so much to New York and it's amazing how well those quoted can sum it up in a few words. One of the phrases I often recall is;"You gotta be good to make it in New York;and who hasn't heard; "In a New York minute!". When I was there,I listened to WOR New York most evenings.,Jean Shepherd had a program evey evening.He was the best there was on telling stories,experiences and observations on everyday things. I can still remember him saying; "When you leave New York,you're outta town;it doesn't matter where you go." That about says it for me. There are many other great quotes in the book;but another that I thought hit the nail on the head ,coming from Canada,was; "The only credential the city asked was the boldness to dream.For those who did,it unlocked its gates and its treasures,not caring who they were or where they came from."--Moss Hart,Act One,1959 The last section "The Day the World Trade Center Fell" is very moving and brings out the spirit of the people of New York. I don't really know why,but the scene that comes to mind with me on the events of 9/11 ;and maybe it's because I watched the WTC being built; is that of President Bush,with his arm around a a Rescurer,with a megaphone in his hand, addressing the crowd saying "...and those who did this,will hear from all of us soon!" and that scene is immediately followed up with that of the statue of Saddam coming crashing down in Bagdad. A great little book with wopnderful quotes that bring back wonderful memories of a city I enjoyed so much.