So Others Might Live

by Terry Golway

On September 11, 2001, the courage and sacrifice of the New York City Fire Department inspired the nation, giving new meaning to the word "hero." But the heroism of the firefighters was not unique to September 11 -- it has been part of the FDNY's tradition from the very beginning. Journalist Terry Golway, whose father, father-in-law, godfather, and uncles were all New York firefighters, tells as no one else could the story of the men and women, tragedies and triumphs of the FDNY throughout its history. From the original eighteenth-century volunteer force to the New York Firefighter unit in the Union Army, from the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire to the arson epidemic of the 1970s, to contemporary issues of diversity and efficiency, Golway's history holds up a mirror for firefighters throughout the U.S. In this first comprehensive chronicle of the FDNY in over sixty years, Golway weaves together stories of heroic firefighters and extraordinary fires to create a moving and original history of the city and the vocation as seen through the eyes of "New York's Bravest." From America's most ambitious public-works project of the 1700s -- the building of aqueducts from upstate to help control fires -- to firefighter-turned-politician Boss Tweed's backroom politics, fire and firefighters have always been an integral part of the history of the city. Lively, gut-wrenching, and ultimately inspiring, So Others Might Live offers a new view of the building of American cities and the people who made them great. As a tribute to the firefighters of New York, Basic Books will donate a portion of its proceeds from the sale of So Others Might Live to the New York Firefighters 911 Disaster Relief Fund.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Fire Services, The United States Of America

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Terry Golway is a senior editor at POLITICO, supervising coverage of New York State politics. He is a former member of the New York Times editorial board and former city editor and columnist at the New York Observer. He has a Ph.D. in U.S. history and has taught at the New School, New York University, and Kean University.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Sumoza · Rating 3 out of 5]

In So Others Might Live, Golway tells the story of the history of the FDNY from its start during colonial America to the aftermath of 9/11. It is a surprisingly rich and dramatic history, full of insight into the bigger discussions of race and poverty in our country. I was recommended this by a friend who is very passionate about firefighting, and while I do not share that passion, I was still pleasantly surprised by how interesting this book was. If you're debating picking it up, I say go for it.

[Pegeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irish bookclub. I was amazed at how much I learned reading this book. I also cried thru the last chapter

[Ken Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the FDNY or a fireman then read this book. A perfectly written history of the FDNY and why they are the greatest Fire Department on the planet!

[Jordan Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history and gallantry of one of the world’s most famous fire departments is eloquently immortalized in the no-holds-barred non-fiction work “So Others Might Live: A History of New York’s Bravest the FDNY From 1700 To The Present.” Former Columnist of the New York Observer and official FDNY Historian Terry Golway, crafts one of the best literary works of New York Firefighting history, tragedy, innovation and bravery combined into an in-depth biography.

Published in 2002, the book explores the FDNY’s earliest origins as a volunteer organization, to its evolution as a paid fire department, the modernization of the 20th Century with new state-of-the art equipment, the cut-throat politics, the enormous backlash of accepting women into the predominately all-male rank and file, to confronting the violent scourge of terrorism, responding to the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing, Oklahoma City in 1995, and the catastrophic attacks of September 11th 2001 that left the department’s command and experience infrastructure decimated.

If you’re a fan of New York’s Bravest or know someone who’s currently serving with them this book is for you! Despite a rather slow beginning and a historical infraction with the date of the Oklahoma City Bombing, it’s still well worth the time to read. After seeing Mr. Golway interviewed on the HBO Documentary “A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY,” I knew I had to check out his book. As an avid reader and writer myself, I have to say that Terry does an exceptional job chronicling the history and the world of the New York City Fire Department. A Must-Have for any firefighter or civilian interested in firefighting!

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

F.D.N.Y the second largest fire department in world. First F.D.N.Y found 1700. Start as water bucket brigade Last horse drawn F.D.N.Y engine in 1922. Everyone remembers 9/11. Book mention Tons of forgotten tragedy in New York City. Civil war draft riot. Is one of them. F.D.N.Y start the draft riot.

[Cws]

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