On the morning of September 11, 2001, two hijacked airplanes destroyed New York's World Trade Center. Thus began the extraordinary story of a great city coping with the worst disaster in its history. As shock and amazement gave way to grief for the victims and their families, New Yorkers also reached deep inside themselves to discover a sense of civic nobility, exemplified by the heroism of firefighters, the police, and rescue units. Using the images of many superb photographers who covered the city during these dramatic days and the words of prominent New Yorkers, including especially Mayor Giuliani, the editors of New York magazine provide a visual record of the city in the week after the attack. It begins with the event itself and the panic and chaos it caused, and it goes on to chronicle the rescue and excavation efforts by firemen, policemen, and construction workers at Ground Zero and the actions of the city's leaders to maintain morale. It registers a vast emotional upheaval of grief, rage, and patriotism and documents the many memorials created by private citizens, at hospitals, squares, firehouses, and in the streets. The impetus to publish this record of events came about through the joint efforts of Caroline Miller, editor of New York, and Eric Himmel, editor-in-chief of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Ms. Miller and Mr. Himmel, who are married to one another, felt that their respective companies could join forces to do something to commemorate the tragic attack and raise money for its victims. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to September 11th Fund, created by the United Way and the New York Community Trust to respond to the immediate and longer-term needs of the victims, their families, and the communities affected by the events of September 11. New York magazine, Harry N. Abrams, Inc., and other participants will donate services to create it.
