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LIFE One Nation: America Remembers September 11, 2001
During our nations most trying times, it has been LIFE that has provided the images that help us understand, remember, and in the process, renew. Now the editors of LIFE have assembled a moving, brilliantly illustrated account of tragedy and triumph. This is about firemen going in amidst the rubble, but it is also about a Frenchman in Paris holding up a sign that says, We are all Americans. This is about our leaders taking charge, but it is also about schoolchildren in Iowa hanging an American flag on a tree in their backyard. Beginning with the history of lower Manhattan, the book explains what happened on September 11, profiles many of the heroes, victims and rescuers (fireman, police, doctors, and rescue dogs among them), and paints an inspiring portrait if a nation and world coming together in sadness, pride and resolve.The book is more than photographs. Explanatory text runs throughout, and the book also includes a selection of original essays about America and September 11, written by such notables as Maya Angelou, Thomas Keneally (Schindlers List), Stephen Ambrose, Melissa Fay Greene (The Temple Bombing), AndreiCodrescu, Gordon Parks, Doug Stanton (In Harms Way), Bob Greene (Duty), James Bradley (Flags of Our Fathers), and others. All profits from the sales of this book will be donated to American Red Cross, September 11th Fund, International Association of Fire Fighters, New York Fraternal Order of Police WTC Fund, The National Organization for Victim Assistance, and The Twin Towers Fund. When Americans think of photographic journalism at its finest, they think of LIFE magazine. This book will draw upon the best photographers employed by TIME, LIFE, PEOPLE and other magazines. Many of the photographers have had their own collections published in book form.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
6 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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LIFE
1,174 books70 followersLife was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 19, 2024
I spent the early years of my life in NYC. My father was across the street from WTC during the 1993 bombing. My Uncle was a paramedic during 9/11 and to this day will not talk about it. I cannot fathom what he went though. My former neighbor had a "missing" flyer in her car window for years after of a sister from Tower 1 that day. My family volunteered to help the displaced/now jobless in Manhattan after 9/11 and that was an experience that will always be with me, seeing the faces of New Yorkers and Ground Zero. What will also always be with me was the spirit of unity, altruism and hope that I experienced there.
This book with its powerful images and short narratives helps to bring 9/11 to my children and brings back so many emotions that we all felt as a nation. May we never forget.
This book with its powerful images and short narratives helps to bring 9/11 to my children and brings back so many emotions that we all felt as a nation. May we never forget.
September 12, 2011
I bought this book when it came out in 2001 and though I looked at the pictures at the time I never read the words. Now 10 years later to the day and I decided to read the book cover to cover. While reading it I couldn't help but notice the first edition of this book (the one I have) lists the dead at at least 5,000. It reminds me that even three months after the attack the true number of those lost was still not known for sure.
This book is a moving tribute and reminder to the events of 9/11. Every home in America should own this book (or one like it) to show future generations so 9/11 will never be forgotten and both the large and small stories/events of that day will be passed on.
9/11/01 Never forget.
This book is a moving tribute and reminder to the events of 9/11. Every home in America should own this book (or one like it) to show future generations so 9/11 will never be forgotten and both the large and small stories/events of that day will be passed on.
9/11/01 Never forget.
January 22, 2018
This is the only 9-11 book everyone should read..IMO.
A beautiful tribute to all..firefighters, police officers, emergency rescue teams, military, K-9 rescue dogs and their handlers, Priests, Flight 93 Passengers, Flight Attendants on all 4 planes, doctors, surgeons, Red Cross, teachers in the childcare centers of the buildings hit, restaurant owners giving out food to those involved in the recovery effort and last but certainly not least All American and non American Volunteers.
A beautiful tribute to all..firefighters, police officers, emergency rescue teams, military, K-9 rescue dogs and their handlers, Priests, Flight 93 Passengers, Flight Attendants on all 4 planes, doctors, surgeons, Red Cross, teachers in the childcare centers of the buildings hit, restaurant owners giving out food to those involved in the recovery effort and last but certainly not least All American and non American Volunteers.
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February 23, 2024Very emotional. It’s somber and horrific yet also uplifting, as the heroism displayed will surely instill faith in humanity once again. What could have tore the country apart, actually caused unity for once. Everyone pitching in and helping strangers where they could, even putting their own lives in danger to do so, showing that the US is a resilient ass country.
It’s a photography book, but still has plenty of commentary and narratives. It gives minute to minute accounts leading up to the attacks, the flights paths, the attacks and the response to them, eyewitness accounts, as well as pays tribute to those involved: firefighters, doctors, volunteers, the Armed Forces, the K-9s that led search and rescue missions, police, teachers, etc. It includes the harrowing stories of those on the flights who made phone calls to loved ones or to alert the authorities as that attacks were occurring. A heartbreaking read, but an important one.
It’s a photography book, but still has plenty of commentary and narratives. It gives minute to minute accounts leading up to the attacks, the flights paths, the attacks and the response to them, eyewitness accounts, as well as pays tribute to those involved: firefighters, doctors, volunteers, the Armed Forces, the K-9s that led search and rescue missions, police, teachers, etc. It includes the harrowing stories of those on the flights who made phone calls to loved ones or to alert the authorities as that attacks were occurring. A heartbreaking read, but an important one.
November 12, 2021
This book is a good book to hear about the poeple that died that day and there families.
September 8, 2021
Well done. I finished right before the 20th Anniversary. I think I needed to read it now.
December 27, 2011
I have the book LIFE One Nation: America Remembers September 11, 2001 that was published 10 years ago, and I was so moved and touched by the section "Faces of Ground Zero" that I just had to get this edition where they caught up with some of the same people 10 years later.
After reading this edition with "Faces of Ground Zero 2011" I was happy to see some of those faces with less shock, pain and sadness in their eyes. Though these people are still sad over the loss they experienced it's good to see that overall they are doing well and surviving. I was especially glad to see that Joanne Foley Gross had a beautiful smile to show since her photo 10 years before was so heart stricken (her photo taken in 2011 is enough of a reason to own this book).
Besides the newer section "Faces of Ground Zero 2011" this book also includes a new foreword by Tom Brokaw, the speech the President gave on the death of Bin Laden and a photo of the Survivor Tree. Other then a few page layout changes and the new sections listed above this edition has the same content as the first book 10 years ago. But even if you own that book, this one is still worth buying.
9/11/11 - 10 years later we have not forgotten and we will never forget!
After reading this edition with "Faces of Ground Zero 2011" I was happy to see some of those faces with less shock, pain and sadness in their eyes. Though these people are still sad over the loss they experienced it's good to see that overall they are doing well and surviving. I was especially glad to see that Joanne Foley Gross had a beautiful smile to show since her photo 10 years before was so heart stricken (her photo taken in 2011 is enough of a reason to own this book).
Besides the newer section "Faces of Ground Zero 2011" this book also includes a new foreword by Tom Brokaw, the speech the President gave on the death of Bin Laden and a photo of the Survivor Tree. Other then a few page layout changes and the new sections listed above this edition has the same content as the first book 10 years ago. But even if you own that book, this one is still worth buying.
9/11/11 - 10 years later we have not forgotten and we will never forget!
November 3, 2016
This book features short narratives, allowing the book to be dominated by stunning photographs which show the World Trade Center as it was built, and then the poignant photos relating to the terrorist attack. It was a lovely presentation and reminds you exactly what was lost that day. I liked meeting the rescue dogs who are forgotten heroes in these disasters. The photo of poor Father Judge being carried from the building always gets to me when I see it.The book contains map of NYC and the routes that the planes took and the photos are truly incredible.
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September 3, 2025This seems to have been published in 2001, most likely in time for Christmas book season. I have mixed feelings about it. The reason I couldn't leave it behind was that inner leaves show a massive section of the homemade "missing" flyers people made in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and posted all over NYC, hoping their loved ones would turn up safe in hospitals or with amnesia, etc. That was always one of the most poignant images of 9/11. I wish there had been more of those images within the book, and a discussion of that aspect of the tragedy, but there was not. There are some incredible although heartbreaking images. The timeline in the opening section is still astonishing to read, all these years later...how fast everything happened. I did not love the studio portraits that make up almost half of the book. There is nothing wrong with them, it just isn't as powerful to me as the work of photojournalists that I associate with the glory days of LIFE (although obviously this was published long after that era).
I was also dismayed by some of the rah rah language in the section where the military was dispatched to Iraq. Also wish Guiliani was not given the Foreward. I am one of the few people, I guess, whose bad opinion of Giuliani was not swayed by his role on 9/11.
I was moved to see Mychal Judge here. The description of the people in the air who called home or contacted authorities from hijacked planes is also devastating. In particular, there is a description of a flight attendant that is just -- I don't know-- words fail me. The courage of an ordinary person on a terrible day.
Reading this as we mark the 20th anniversary of Katrina also is disconcerting, because the victims/survivors/bereaved of 9/11-- at least initially-- were treated so much better than the people of New Orleans. Of course we know now how many first responders and people who cleared the debris would get sick and abandoned by the government-- but at least initially, there was so much compassion.
I was also dismayed by some of the rah rah language in the section where the military was dispatched to Iraq. Also wish Guiliani was not given the Foreward. I am one of the few people, I guess, whose bad opinion of Giuliani was not swayed by his role on 9/11.
I was moved to see Mychal Judge here. The description of the people in the air who called home or contacted authorities from hijacked planes is also devastating. In particular, there is a description of a flight attendant that is just -- I don't know-- words fail me. The courage of an ordinary person on a terrible day.
Reading this as we mark the 20th anniversary of Katrina also is disconcerting, because the victims/survivors/bereaved of 9/11-- at least initially-- were treated so much better than the people of New Orleans. Of course we know now how many first responders and people who cleared the debris would get sick and abandoned by the government-- but at least initially, there was so much compassion.
August 16, 2017
This book is truly powerful.
9/11 will always have a special place in my heart. No, I am not an American, nor I was in America, and I was certainly too young to remember that day (3 years old!). But the story of people from all background and all around usa, convened there and even charged towards danger, trying to save as many as possibe even though they might lose their own lives? It always gives me hope that even in the darkest time we can emerge together stronger and even restore my faith to humanity. Seeing stories from eyewitness- of the dramatic rescue and people they've lost- and the harrowing pictures present, gave me chills and even brought tears to my eyes.
And with all the horrible-ness and division that currently happens in the USA, I think this is the perfect book to read.
16 years ago, america bound together as a nation amidst the grief and losses it suffered. you guys bounded together like never before, and unlike any other country had done. 16 years latter, you guys are almost torn apart by division and hatred. How can things changed so quickly? Thousands of people dead, alongside of hundred others who died try to save people.
Don't let your hatred make you forget that you are a nation, one nation, bound together by the same history and identity as each other.
9/11 will always have a special place in my heart. No, I am not an American, nor I was in America, and I was certainly too young to remember that day (3 years old!). But the story of people from all background and all around usa, convened there and even charged towards danger, trying to save as many as possibe even though they might lose their own lives? It always gives me hope that even in the darkest time we can emerge together stronger and even restore my faith to humanity. Seeing stories from eyewitness- of the dramatic rescue and people they've lost- and the harrowing pictures present, gave me chills and even brought tears to my eyes.
And with all the horrible-ness and division that currently happens in the USA, I think this is the perfect book to read.
16 years ago, america bound together as a nation amidst the grief and losses it suffered. you guys bounded together like never before, and unlike any other country had done. 16 years latter, you guys are almost torn apart by division and hatred. How can things changed so quickly? Thousands of people dead, alongside of hundred others who died try to save people.
Don't let your hatred make you forget that you are a nation, one nation, bound together by the same history and identity as each other.
February 7, 2025
"America is not a demonstrative people: We did not immediately gather in public squares to went out our anger at the terrorists. In other countries, people would instantly have been in the streets calling for blood. But make no mistake: The anger is there. I just hope that we won't overreact." - Andrei Codrecu, writing for One Nation.
"We are still the freest, strongest, richest, most inventive, productive, generous nation on earth. That is plain truth." - David McCullough, writing for One Nation.
One Nation is the rare book that becomes more important with age; if it was published today, it would be criticized for inaccurate information at best and blatant propaganda at worst, but it was written and published within the months right after September 11th, 2001, and it's value is in serving as a time capsule to what people knew and how they were responding. It's a great read with this context in mind.
"We are still the freest, strongest, richest, most inventive, productive, generous nation on earth. That is plain truth." - David McCullough, writing for One Nation.
One Nation is the rare book that becomes more important with age; if it was published today, it would be criticized for inaccurate information at best and blatant propaganda at worst, but it was written and published within the months right after September 11th, 2001, and it's value is in serving as a time capsule to what people knew and how they were responding. It's a great read with this context in mind.
August 19, 2024
The morning of September 11th, to me, was the perfect day. Sunny, blue skies and no clouds in the sky. I was ten and just starting 5th grade. I live in WNY about 9 hours from NYC. During 3rd period, we were instructed to go back to homeroom, where we were told what happened. I immediately freaked out because I had family members that lived and worked by the towers. We were told not to watch the news. A few days later, I just got out of the shower in my parents room. Of course coverage was on my parents tv. I saw the people jumping out of the towers, I collapsed sobbing when I saw that. I loved this book. But I had to stop reading for a days at a time. I learned things that I didn't know about. This book made me absolutely sob. I now have a 7 year old. When she's a little bit older, I'll show her this book.
July 16, 2021
Amazing photos and stories from the tragic day of 9-11. The events are recorded in a minute by minute fashion just as they occurred. Heart wrenching and very emotional every page brought back memories of that day. I Gave it a 4 not because of what was in the book, but because of what was not. I simply expected some unseen pictures that have not been published in numerous different places already to the point that they are more than familiar. Perhaps it was unrealistic to expect a little it of something that made it worth purchasing the book and not just checking it out on the internet.
That being said the book was worth the read and is a very good record of a day we would all like to forget, but will remember forever.
That being said the book was worth the read and is a very good record of a day we would all like to forget, but will remember forever.
September 6, 2021
A few days short of 20 years after the horrific event, this is still raw. Perhaps because I can remember where I was when the news broke, who I discussed it with on the day, the nearly overwhelming but slightly illogical desire to drive 90 miles home to my children…..
I bought this book from the first Ground Zero museum/memorial but have only just read it. In the aftermath of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, some of it sounds hollow but for me it was an emotional and sometimes difficult read.
It is well written, unsurprisingly full of American patriotism and bravura and should be read by our children, so they also understand the horror and the evil of the perpetrators and moreover, the courage of the rescuers
I bought this book from the first Ground Zero museum/memorial but have only just read it. In the aftermath of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, some of it sounds hollow but for me it was an emotional and sometimes difficult read.
It is well written, unsurprisingly full of American patriotism and bravura and should be read by our children, so they also understand the horror and the evil of the perpetrators and moreover, the courage of the rescuers
September 10, 2023
I read the original edition of this book, and it is excellent! A great tribute to those lost, the heroes including some unsung ones, and it serves as a great reminder 22 years later to NOT forget. I know there are updated versions, but I fear that politics and conspiracy theorists might have messed it up, so I don’t intend to read the newer versions. My only regret is that this country has forgotten how very United we were in the days and weeks following the attack, and we now take too much for granted, as well as how many people make first responders into the bad guys nowadays. I myself have NOT forgotten and I still go out of my way to tell police officers, fire fighters, military folks, and other heroes THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
April 5, 2019
Continually need reminders of this date and the world it redefined and created anew. There is a line towards the back of the book, in one of the essays, about how we would look back on the '90s with nostalgia and longing, much as the new 20th century reminisced over the 1890's Belle Epoque era. It struck me now more than it would have in the few years afterward. It absolutely rings true as we hurriedly, rapidly, unbelievably close in on 20 years since 9/11/01.
September 22, 2021
Found this book on the Withdrawn pile at my school library a few years back and felt the need to save it. Pulled it out this year after the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Written just a few months after the attacks, the book includes pictures I've never seen before and first-hand accounts from a variety of witnesses and family members of victims.
An important book.
Written just a few months after the attacks, the book includes pictures I've never seen before and first-hand accounts from a variety of witnesses and family members of victims.
An important book.
November 16, 2017
We bought this book shortly after 9 11, and I get it out every September, but I usually get so emotional over it that I can only read several pages. This year I decided to finish it. I am so glad I did. The end of the book was so hopeful and inspiring, even in these dark times.
February 3, 2023
I’ve owned this book since 2002 but up until now I’ve only looked at the pictures. I finally got around to reading the text, and it’s made the horror of 9-11 all the more vivid. If anybody gets feeling nonchalant about terrorism, they need a copy of this book
July 19, 2023
Reading this book 20 years after it was written and the unthinkable event occurred was simultaneously uplifting and depressing. The heroism displayed on that horrible day gives one faith in humanity. But have we sustained those dispositions of resolve to be a better people? I don’t think so.
May 14, 2018
Loved this book because it laid a greater insight on 9/11 as a whole. I would recommend to anyone due to how real this book is, it highlights how sad 9/11 was and its effect on America.
February 13, 2019
Very good book. It was interesting seeing the aspects of many different people from different areas and jobs within the World Trade Centers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
Couldn't put this book down! I cried while reading it so hard! To find out what thos people went through was a living hell made me think about how much I appreciate all I have today!
September 11, 2022
I've never seen a lot of these pictures. They really touch the heart and create feelings that haven't been felt in many years. It's important to remember but always sad to see.
November 18, 2022
An excellent book, all about Sept. 11, 2001. In my opinion, a must read for every American!!
June 9, 2013
One Nation by LIFE Magazine is a book about the events of 9/11, 2001. It tells the stories of many different people through pictures and words. It is very interesting, because it shows how little people actually knew about the attacks when this book was published in 2001. One of the facts stated was that about 5000 people died in the attacks. Later information put the estimates around 2700. The book not only tells about the attacks in New York, but also of the ones in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. It is really amazing to see how little people knew at the time. Even more stunning is the fact that people believed all of the information; so much that they published a book about it, stating the incorrect information as fact. This book is a veritable time machine. Touching with words and pictures, ‘One Nation’ really shows how people tried their best to help out directly following the attacks. The individual stories are especially heart-wrenching. The fact that people helped out total strangers-some losing their lives in the progress-made the significance of the terrorism all the more important. The attacks of 9/11 shocked and frightened the nation, but brought people closer, so that they could stand and fight against the enemy.
I feel that people should read this book because it makes people more aware of the shortcomings in this world—and the bravery. While some people were so fanatic that they decided to blow up buildings, others risked their lives to save the lives of many. The passengers on Flight 93 dared to wrench the controls of their plane from the hands of the terrorists, and maybe saved the White House because of their heroic deeds.
I feel that people should read this book because it makes people more aware of the shortcomings in this world—and the bravery. While some people were so fanatic that they decided to blow up buildings, others risked their lives to save the lives of many. The passengers on Flight 93 dared to wrench the controls of their plane from the hands of the terrorists, and maybe saved the White House because of their heroic deeds.
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June 2, 2012Mayor Giuliani: "Less than two hours later, both 110-story Twin Towers collapsed, killing some 5,000 innocent men, women, and children."
We now know that approx 2600 people died at the WTC, not counting those on the impact planes.
Of those:
~ 100-200 people fell or jumped before the collapses
~ 300 people died on the ground from being struck by debris or falling bodies before the collapses
Probably several hundred died prior to the collapse from the plane impacts, fire, or smoke inhalation, although we can never know quite how many
The youngest victim in the buildings was 18 - not a child - although some women were pregnant when they died.
Understandably, since the book was published in Nov 2001, the WTC death toll it reports is higher than the final number. However, within 6 weeks after the attack, the death toll within the towers was officially reported as significantly lower than 5000 - and of those, it is obvious that many would have been killed well before the collapse. Newspapers came up with estimates lower than 3000 at that point by combining information on losses suffered by individual companies and emergency responder units.
I appreciate that Giuliani's introduction was more emotive than a history lesson, but would it have been that hard to put in a caveat about the figures rather than baldly stating them as hard facts? "As I write, it is believed that..."
We now know that approx 2600 people died at the WTC, not counting those on the impact planes.
Of those:
~ 100-200 people fell or jumped before the collapses
~ 300 people died on the ground from being struck by debris or falling bodies before the collapses
Probably several hundred died prior to the collapse from the plane impacts, fire, or smoke inhalation, although we can never know quite how many
The youngest victim in the buildings was 18 - not a child - although some women were pregnant when they died.
Understandably, since the book was published in Nov 2001, the WTC death toll it reports is higher than the final number. However, within 6 weeks after the attack, the death toll within the towers was officially reported as significantly lower than 5000 - and of those, it is obvious that many would have been killed well before the collapse. Newspapers came up with estimates lower than 3000 at that point by combining information on losses suffered by individual companies and emergency responder units.
I appreciate that Giuliani's introduction was more emotive than a history lesson, but would it have been that hard to put in a caveat about the figures rather than baldly stating them as hard facts? "As I write, it is believed that..."
August 25, 2011
I do also own the original edition of this book, but for some reason, never added it to my Goodreads.
Ten years have done little to diminish the devastation of that clear fall day. I was in college and mistook the news for a movie trailer. This book is beautifully done; it does not shy away from the sadness and horror of September 11 but does not glorify it either. Hope winds its way through the text and pictures also.
My only quibble is with the very end of the book. I thought President Obama's speech on May 1, 2011 was a great addition, but I would have liked to have seen some photographs of America's reaction to the news of bin Laden's demise.
Highly, highly recommended.
Ten years have done little to diminish the devastation of that clear fall day. I was in college and mistook the news for a movie trailer. This book is beautifully done; it does not shy away from the sadness and horror of September 11 but does not glorify it either. Hope winds its way through the text and pictures also.
My only quibble is with the very end of the book. I thought President Obama's speech on May 1, 2011 was a great addition, but I would have liked to have seen some photographs of America's reaction to the news of bin Laden's demise.
Highly, highly recommended.
February 1, 2013
The book “One Nation Remembers September 11, 2001” by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani is great book about what happened to many people in New York City on September 11, 2001. It is very sad to read about all the stories of what people went through on that day. The pictures tell a whole other story. When I saw a picture of firefighters running into the building and knowing what could happen. I couldn’t help but think of how hard that had to be. I would recommend this book to high school student. It makes you appreciate what you have. It would be an easy read for people and there are many pictures to look at.
October 12, 2012
I LOVED this book - it is exactly what I wanted to have available in my classroom while teaching a unit centering on 9/11. The pictures are painful but stunning reminders of the attacks and show the full experience of those around ground zero. Honestly, I bought this book because I knew the images would be what I needed but the essays ended up being what really made me fall in love with it. I have sticky note flags all over the pages of images, quotes, and essays that I want to share with my students. Best book on 9/11 thus far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews