One Nation: America Remembers September 11, 2001

I have read a few reviews and comments from other places as to why these types of books popped up after the tragedy. Some call it abusing the publishing arena to make bank account rather than the account. First we need a record of this account whether the material is for profit, since we all will profit from this for many reasons and lessons. Our history has been altered, can you imagine if people forgot about Pearl Harbor. I was at Pearl Harbor December 7th 1941, and I was in Manhattan September 11th 2001. The same shock and memories crossed me in the instant. The same pain befell me. Amongst the damage incurred and all the planes in the air, there were some Japanese planes that crashed that day, the memories are easy to bear now. I believe our pain will soon subside, then, when we look at the pictures in this book and the written account, we will be able to decide our direction. I have the original Life Magazines for the entire year of 1942, and many through 1946. When I looked at them when the war was finished, my contentment could not be surpassed. When I look at them now, I feel we can do it again, even better. We need it to remember for many reasons.

This Book is the best account I have seen to date and would suggest buying it for your Grand children. Show them when they are old enough to understand. They will be able to decide whats best for America.

I want to recommend a very good book that is everything about the events come to us, and gives us some fine direction. SB 1 or God by Karl Maddox

Wow.

This book will be the definitive collection of first-rate photographs and images of September 11th and its aftermath. "One Nation" is a must have regardless of whether you've been collecting other magazine or newspaper images of September 11th. It's hardbound with thick stock paper, pretty close in design to a coffee-table book. The hundreds of stunning photographs, coupled with the detailed narrative, make it an ideal collector's book and a thoughtful gift. It's sure to be a hand-me-down to children and grandchildren as well.

This breathtaking book of pictures is divided into numerous sections, more or less organized by chronology. Let me describe a few highlights, since there are too many images to describe in this short space. One of the first sections, tells (and shows in pictures) the story of how the World Trade Center was designed and built. That section has quotes from the architect and pictures from the Towers' development process. The next major section is devoted exclusively to a minute-by-minute description of the Events of September 11th (what some of us here simply call "ES11"). This section has dozens upon dozens of pages of pictures and text -- all from September 11th. You can't help but be moved by some familiar images from television as well as an array of touching photos that have never been released in this format. The narrative to this incredibly detailed section also includes detailed maps, timelines of key events, and profiles of survivors, those who passed away, and individual heroes. The pictures are powerful, almost all in vivid color, and show the moments of September 11th unfolding in real time.

The middle chapters include an essay about the history of New York and the City's importance in our natural and global culture. One of these chapters is a beautiful photo essay of the nation's activities in the month following September 11th. The photos show mourners in various cities, various ways the flag was symbolically displayed, and images of soldiers leaving for battle. One such picture shows a soldier and his wife saying goodbye, while trying to hold back tears and fear. It will move you. Another touching section from the middle of the photo-book
tells the moving stories of a variety of heroes who emerged on September 11th. You'll read about (and see touching pictures of) the passengers on Flight 93, an unsung hero on Flight 11, Father Judge, the chaplain of the NYFD, the "Lucky 6" of the NYFD, even the touching story of the search and rescue dogs who made a difference in the rubble. There's also a lengthy collection of photos and profiles developed by legendary Time photographer Joe McNally, for his Ground Zero Portrait Project. The Portrait Project excerpt has pages of photos and profiles of a variety of people who came together for the rescue and recovery mission. The full page pictures and short biographies remind us that New York is the most diverse city in the United States, and that public service knows no bounds of age or race.

Sprinkled throughout the book are poetry and essays written just for this collection, including "Bottomless Tuesday" by Gordon Parks, the wonderful filmmaker and photographer, and "Extravagant Spirits" by our legendary poet Maya Angelou.

The last sections of the book focus on life in the weeks and months after September 11th. Here, you'll see touching pictures of a recovering New York, including a beautiful shot of children playing by the East River, against a backdrop of where the Towers were formerly visible. There are also somber images of post-September 11th funerals and the war effort.

I live and work in Manhattan, and I'm not afraid to admit that despite feeling and seeing the heavy dose of real-life and news coverage up close, the images in this book still brought me to a moment of true reflection and humility. The book also showed me a side of New York that I've seen on the streets here but that much of the rest of the world hasn't begun to fully appreciate.

I have only two small quibbles with the book. First, there aren't enough images or narrative about the events in Pennsylvania and Virginia/D.C. Second, there isn't a whole lot of exploration of the people or issues that caused this tragedy. Maybe, in a book entitled "One Nation", that's how it was meant to be.

Taken as a whole, "One Nation" represents a great and triumphant return for LIFE Magazine and its chronicling of the American story. It captures a truly unique and tragic time in American history -- one that made us pause admidst our differences to share a moment of deep reflection about ourselves, our country, and our truly global world.

Life Magazine, for as long as it has been in existence, has been known for its vivid portrayal in words and photographs of life's events, both joyous and tragic. This book is no exception. How could anyone read about the devastating events of September 11, 2001 and not be moved. Throughout "One Nation" the reader will recapture the events as they unfolded, meet both survivors and courageous rescuers, and still be left with that plaguing question, "in this century, in a time of peace and prosperity, how could this horrific event possibly have happened?"

One need not be an American to appreciate this book, for the tragic events pictured here could happen anywhere. Where, is only a matter of geography. It is not appropriate to say it is an enjoyable book to read, for it is not. The events revealed here defy description and are so horrific they will stay with you forever. However, the book is a compelling one to read. For those who do not live near New York, it puts the reader in touch with the reality of the events. Life Magazine has produced a moving and impressive account, both in words and photographs, of what will become an unforgettable time in history. "One Nation" shows through the eyes of endless rescue workers, from all walks of life, that the world with all its tragedy, unpredictability and despair is also still a world filled with tremendous compassion and love for one's fellow man.

I bought this as a gift to my sister, but before I wrapped it, I ended up looking through the photos that told the haunting story of 9-11. Now, granted, I have not seen the other books by other publishers, but I was amazed at the vividness captured on film. My wife is a photographer, and I know how hard she works to capture images that are "worth a 1,000 words." The photographers who sold their images to Life have done their job. If you want a keep-sake to remember one of the greatest tragedies in American history, I recommend this book. It helps give perspective as to the true tragedy of the events taking place that day.

I was in search of a book memoralizing September 11. I wanted mainly pictures, with slight descriptions. I wanted to open the cover to see the two tall towers beaming in their prime with pride. And being a New Yorker, I wanted to see the whole truth. People are mortified by the images of people jumpimg from the towers. This is realism. This is what we all went through. I didnt want anything sugar coated for me, or better yet for my childrens children that look upon this tragedy in years to come. These are the unfathomable images that sparked rage and fury against anyone who terrorizes our country. This is what made us truly unite. This book had it all. I will save it until the end of time and pass it along to generations to come to see what I/we lived through and how I am so proud, not only to be an American, but a New Yorker!