New York Characters

by Gillian Zoe Segal

Every year millions of people flock to New York City, drawn to its unparalleled theaters, museums, restaurants, and sights. While much has been written about these topics, one of the city's greatest attractions has gone largely unheralded: its characters. Among the masses, there are some who stand out from the crowd, a special group of New Yorkers who give the city its flavor and make it a vibrant, exciting, and unique place. New York Characters is...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393041964
• ISBN13: 9780393041965
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 147 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

For New Yorkers and Non New Yorkers Alike

If you admire great photography and exquisite prose and feel the slightest attachment (or wish you did) to New York, then Gillian Segal's book is for you. I moved from New York a little over ten years ago and was determined to keep in touch with the city I love. However, it was only a matter of time before I lost touch with what really made New York special: the people's unique personalities. Gillian's book has allowed me to reestablish contact with the city that I still like to call home. Now, when my colleagues in Providence ask me what to do in New York, I no longer provide them with a mundane and outdated list of restaurants and sites. Instead, I refer them to Mrs. Segal's book. I inform them that in its pages is where they can find the real New York. Everything from great food, The Egg Cake Lady, to a wonderful opera on 57th street, performed by Opera Man, to a great jogging partner, the Mayor of the Reservoir (he is featured on the cover) can be found in "New York Characters".

New York Characters- A Must Buy!

Gillian Zoe Segal's book, New York Characters, is outstanding- the best photography book I've ever seen/read! The photographs featuring prominent New Yorkers are incredible. Each one captures the true essence of the "character" and truly comes to life on the page. The characters are all photographed in their natural environment, and as Segal points out and demonstrates in her book it is New York's characters that make "it the greatest city in the world". In addition to her photographic genius, Segal writes beautifully. The vignettes's about the characters are intersting, informative, humorous, and touching. No coffee table should be without a copy of New York Characters. It makes the perfect holiday gift for New Yorkers as well as out-of-towners because everyone loves or has an interest in New York, right? Furthermore, all of the proceeds of the book sales are going to the September 11th fund. So what could be more gratifying than supporting the city's recovery effort by buying this wonderful book for yourself, for your friends, for your family...? I feel confident in saying that anyone who picks up New York Characters will enjoy it immensely. What will Segal do next? I can't wait....

Best Photographic Book I Have Ever Purchased

Dear Potential Purchasers:You are in for an unbelievable treat if you buy this fantastic book. What can I say about it except to say that it is the best photographic book I have ever seen. Segal's photographs are breathtaking. Every one of them is flawless and original and tremendously detailed. Every time I look at one of the pictures I see something else in it that I missed before. But that is just half of the story. Segal's writing will keep you reading this book for hours too. Man, can she write. Every story about every person featured in the book gives an interesting detail about the person's life or an anecdote that I am sure you never heard before. Some of the people and stories, like the one about Adam Purple and his "flush toilet", are guaranteed to make you laugh. Other stories are guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye. Overall, the book is a tremendously enjoyable read and well worth ten times it's price. I personally can't wait for Segal's next book. By the way, check out the photograph of Segal in the jacket of the book. In addition to being a talented photographer and a brilliant writer, she is a total knock out. A real beauty. Anyway, buy the book. It is well worth the price.

Must read for any New Yorker.....or anyone who just loves NY

As evidenced by the Sept. 11 disaster, what makes New York such a great city are it's people (it's characters)... New Yorkers are extraordinary people and have really shown this in light of recent events...Gillian Segal really captures the energy and heart of this wonderful city and really helps the reader experience what makes New York tick.....

More Reasons to Love New York

This book should appear along with Giuliani and Pataki in the promotional campaigns to bring people back to New York City. The author has obviously captured the flavor of what makes New York City so special. The range of interesting and vibrant characters is displayed with affection and amusement. She has unearthed some real treasures. A light and enjoyable portrait that arrives at a perfect time . . .