Writing New York (1998), compiled and edited by Phillip Lopate, is an anthology that celebrates the rich literary tapestry of New York City over the past 200 years. Featuring contributions from renowned figures in literature, politics, and activism, this collection explores the city's complexity, where glamour and squalor coexist. Lopate's introduction emphasizes the unique genre of "New York writing," reflecting on the city’s historical and cultural significance and its impact on millions. The anthology includes works by notable authors such as Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, and Zora Neale Hurston, showcasing both celebrated and lesser-known pieces. Themes of alienation, the immigrant experience, and the duality of grandeur and loneliness resonate throughout, highlighting New York's enduring allure and its place in the creative imagination.