Customer Reviews

So Others Might Live: A History of New York's Bravest--The FDNY from 1700 to the Present

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At first glance, Golway's book might appear to be a "buff" book - one aimed at firefighting enthusiasts. The truth - evident from the first pages - is that it's a book about much more than fires and firefighting. For in addition to telling the fascinating story of the FDNY's evolution from colonial times to the present, Golway relates many more -- the stories of New York City's growth and development, of technological change (both architectural and firefighting), of municipal politics, of labor disputes, of struggles by women and minorities for equal opportunity. Ultimately, it's a book about the stories of generations of firefighters and their day to day struggle, often overlooked before 9/11, to put their lives on the line in protecting the lives and property of the city's residents. Best of all, the book is beautifully written, reflecting the author's emotional attachment to his subject (he's the son of a firefighter), as well as experience as a journalist. You'll find this book an engaging read from the start - long before it tells the tragic story of the FDNY's darkest day, September 11.

This book is an amazing book and essential for firefighters, as well as enthusiasts or people who just wants to learn something. From start to finish, this book is packed full of facts, based on the history of FDNY and exploring the truth behind the brotherhood involved in the fire house. I have yet to place this book aside, it is an utmost favorite of mine.

This book from start to finish is packed with information that you would otherwise never have heard about. The history of one of the most famous Fire Depts in the US is more than I ever imagined, naming some of the early firefighters who would have otherwise slipped into the sandglass of time. The accounts of fires and incidents in the citys history do more credit than you will ever hear about anywhere else. It shows why today Firefighters of the modern day FDNY fight so hard to keep hold of their history and tradition. Before you make judgement on these guys read this book. This is what they are all about.

In these post-9/11 days there have been a number of histories of the FDNY written, but this one is my favorite. It reads like a novel, yet is packed with solid history. And while clearly an admirer of the Fire Department, the author does not get overly sentimental, which is quite easy to do.

For someone who loves New York City and has an admiration for firefighters, this book would be a valuable addition to any library. While providing a fascinating account of the history of the FDNY, the book also gives the reader a wealth of information about the city itself. I would recommend it for firefighters, fire buffs, and any reader who is interested in a fascinating account of the Fire Department of the City of New York and the incredible men and women who have joined its ranks over the years.

I got the book out of curiosity... and I found myself looking at a mirror image of our firefighting history. The combat between the departement and the politic wing of the city, the urelenting tendency of the firefighters to oppose change and progress, the arrival of paid FD, of handdrawn to horsedrawn to engines... It plunged me into a world that I will never see "old time firefighting"...

Not a bad book. The story is entertaining, by no means does it keep you on the edge of your seat. Rated three stars since it is average reading, don't get me wrong I did enjoy the book.

Loved it! Been looking for something like it ever since. I recommend it to my "reader" friends often. As a New York City history buff I found it to be readable and enlightening. And as a fire buff, since 9/11 I can't get enough of this stuff, I found it to be well-researched and thorough. I knew what I was getting into when I read the jacket. Golway's firefighting roots make him a fan of The Bravest but I didn't mind the sentimentality because that's partially why I picked the book in the first place. A fitting tribute to working class heroes of the past 300+ years.