"Nothing less than a riveting snapshot of life in the 'modern world,' particularly New York." —Booklist

Mark Jacobson has published pieces in Rolling Stone, the Village Voice, Esquire, and more. His journalistic beats range far and wide, delving into the realms of politics, sports, and celebrities in pieces on such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Julius Erving, Chuck Berry, Pam Grier (in her Scream Blacula Scream days), Martin Scorsese, and many others. But for Jacobson, New York City has always been topic number one.

Jacobson tells the story of the city in these classic essays covering three decades—from the beginnings of punk rock back in the times of "pre-gentrification" to the heart-wrenching days of 9/11.

"A brilliant collection by one of our most valuable journalists." —Pete Hamill

Includes a foreword by Richard Price