Gotham_ A History of New York City to 1898 - Edwin G. Burrows [1083]
Among the family members whose absence I (MW) most regret are my mother, Margaret Wallace (I miss her joyful curiosity and unflagging support), my father, Aaron Wallace (I miss his wit and political empathy), and my uncle, Sol Isaacs (who, until his death at ninety-five, was still sharing laser-sharp memories of life as a New York garment presser and union man). Among mentors and friends I wish were here to share the satisfaction are Richard Hofstadter, a man who asked big questions and answered them with artistry and authority; Joe Murphy, former CUNY chancellor, crusader for working class educational opportunity and a strong supporter of this book; Herb Gutman, Raphael Samuel, Warren Susman, and Edward Thompson—model activist intellectuals all; and Tony Lukas, David Varas, and Elliot Willensky, who were looking forward to Gotham but departed way before their time.
Happily, there are vast numbers still around to share our delight and receive our thanks, beginning with those closest to us, those who’ve endured The Book, helped us to survive it, and—mainly—shared and enriched our lives.
There is no one to whom I (EGB) am more beholden for firm anchorage and steady encouragement than my wife, Pat Adamski. Our life together began more than two decades ago with a rollicking late-night jaunt up Fifth Avenue, and it was during one of our many subsequent urban reconnaissances that I decided to launch a course at Brooklyn College on the history of the city. I am humbled by the thought that even while building her own distinguished career as a legal scholar and educator, she also found the time and energy to bear with me during the years that followed, as Gotham struggled toward completion. There are no words to encompass my wonder at the loving patience of our children, Matt and Kate, who have waited their entire lives for “daddy’s book” to be done, unaware of how many times their presence revived my spirits and kept me going until it was, in fact, done. My parents, E. G. Burrows and Gwenyth L. Burrows, not only brought me up to value good books and good writing but seemed to understand why Gotham required so long to finish. I am much obliged as well to Eric McKitrick and Richard Hofstadter, my teachers at Columbia University, whose guidance, praise, and friendship made all the difference to a young graduate student.
My (MW) wife, Hope Cooke—wise counsellor, historical compeer, voluptuous playmate (for the full encomium see my Mickey Mouse and Other Essays on American Memory)—shared my love of the city and pleasure in exploring its past and present. Hope also provided me with a new family—Hope Leezum, Palden, and Kesang, and now our grandchildren, Khendum and Diki. My sister, Penny, offered sibling love and helped keep me laughing. Anne Leiner was my wise, caring, and transformative counsellor. Marion Skelly and Lauree Wise were skillful healers when mind-and-body flagged. My old friend Bob Padgug has been waiting for this book as long as he can remember. Finally, some long overdue thanks to a trio of teachers—Eric McKitrick, who among other lessons taught me I didn’t yet know how to write; Jim Shenton, who through example and exhortation got me into the history business; and Walter Metzger, who one day, without realizing it, broached the concept of a life project.
It’s quite insufficient to thank Frances Goldin for being our “agent.” She is as much a “principal” in this project as we are—third paddle in our canoe. Frances is, to be sure, a superb literary representative, but her personal steadfastness and politically principled support were as important as her skillfulness. Without her deep caring, astonishing patience, and resolute determination this book would not likely have seen the light of day.
Many mavens helped us negotiate the churning currents of the big city’s publishing industry. Vincent Virga, novelist, historian, and photo editor par excellence,