Book · 2003 · Social life and customs
The Colossus of New York
Why people recommend it
The Colossus of New York by Colson Whitehead is a lyrical, evocative collection of essays that captures the pulsating rhythm, complexity, and emotional resonance of New York City. On an episode of The Book Review titled Colson Whitehead and His Crime Novel Sequel, host Gilbert Cruz introduced the work by recalling that the piece was originally published in the New York Times Magazine just a month after the attacks of September 11th, and was later gathered into Whitehead's book, The Colossus of New York. Later in the same episode, guest Colson Whitehead reflected on the creation of the work, describing The Colossus of New York as his first sort of book of essays about the city. He explained that the project came to fruition in the aftermath of 9/11 as he attempted to figure out how to write and how to continue living in his home city during a period of profound historical trauma and transformation. The discussion highlighted the deeply personal origins of the book and its enduring testament to urban resilience.
Who recommended it
- Colson Whitehead Discussed
- Gilbert Cruz Recommended
Colson Whitehead — 1 mention
“Colossus of New York my first sort of book of essays about the city happened because of but it was after 911 and I was trying to figure out how to write how to live in my city”
Gilbert Cruz — 1 mention
“so this was a piece that was published a month after the Attacks of September 11th at the New York Times magazine and was later collected in a book of yours the Colossus of New York”