Everyone loves an underdog who succeeds against the odds. CCNY Made. Profiles in Grit is the story of City College of New York alumni who beat the odds to reach the pinnacle of their professions and in the process transformed our world. Here are just a few: Andrew Grove, hearing impaired and a survivor of Nazi occupation and Communist rule became the visionary CEO of Intel Corporation, the manufacturer of the semiconductor chip found in most personal computers today. Yip Harburg, the son of immigrants, wrote the lyrics ...
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Everyone loves an underdog who succeeds against the odds. CCNY Made. Profiles in Grit is the story of City College of New York alumni who beat the odds to reach the pinnacle of their professions and in the process transformed our world. Here are just a few: Andrew Grove, hearing impaired and a survivor of Nazi occupation and Communist rule became the visionary CEO of Intel Corporation, the manufacturer of the semiconductor chip found in most personal computers today. Yip Harburg, the son of immigrants, wrote the lyrics to countless music standards, including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," one of the most celebrated songs of all times. Jonas Salk, facing antisemitism and the rebuke of the scientific community, developed the Salk Vaccine that irradicated polio from the face of the earth. Felix Frankfurter, who came to America at 12 speaking no English, would be appointed a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and help write the unanimous opinion in Brown v. the Board of Education declaring school segregation in the United States illegal. In "CCNY Made. Profiles In Grit," the stories of CCNY alumni are recounted who exemplify the promise of Townsend Harris, founder of CCNY and The Ephebic Oath affirmed by graduating students every year. "We will strive unceasingly to quicken the public's better, of civic duty; and thus, in all these ways we will strive to transmit this city not only not less, but greater, better and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us."
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 192 p. Contains: Illustrations. The History Press. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 192 p. Contains: Illustrations. The History Press. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 192 p. Contains: Illustrations. The History Press. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 192 p. Contains: Illustrations. The History Press. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
CCNY Made: Profiles in Grit by Ronnyjane Goldsmith is an engaging anthology that delves into the lives of some of the most notable alumni from The City College of New York. Through a series of compelling narratives, the book highlights figures such as Andrew Grove, a survivor of both Nazi occupation and Communist Hungary, who later pioneered Intelââ?¬â?¢s philosophy of ââ?¬Å"creative confrontation.ââ?¬Â? The collection also includes a profile on Edgar Yipsel Harburg, who rose from poverty on Manhattanââ?¬â?¢s Lower East Side to pen the lyrics for The Wizard of Oz, including the iconic song ââ?¬Å"Somewhere Over the Rainbow.ââ?¬Â?
This book has profoundly impacted my perspective on the boundless potential inherent in every individual, regardless of the obstacles they face. For example, Ben Shahn, a Lithuanian immigrant who arrived in the U.S. without any knowledge of English, eventually became a pivotal social critic among twentieth-century painters. CCNY Made explores three central themesâ�"politics, history, and social issuesâ�"offering readers a well-researched journey with extensive references to other significant works. This aspect has piqued my interest in exploring Upton Sinclairâ��s The Jungle, which is known for its historical controversy. The book caters to a broad readership, from CCNY alumni and current students to enthusiasts of inspiring biographies and historical narratives. It portrays a rich tapestry of characters from various backgrounds who have made notable contributions to fields such as art, business, literature, music, politics, and film. The inclusion of direct quotes and black-and-white photographs enhances the connection between the reader and these influential figures.
Ronnyjane Goldsmith masterfully contrasts the humble beginnings of these individuals with their later achievements, crafting a narrative that is as inspiring as it is educational. CCNY Made serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact one person can have on society, encouraging every reader to recognize and reach their own potential. This book is not just a collection of biographies but a source of motivation that echoes through generations.
L.T.
Feb 9, 2024
Literary Titan
CCNY Made: Profiles in Grit by Ronnyjane Goldsmith is a compelling exploration of the lives of 32 distinguished alumni from City College of New York. The book artfully weaves their stories, showcasing their diverse paths to achieve remarkable success. It features engaging anecdotes about notable figures such as Mario Puzo, Yip Harburg, Ben Shahn, and Jean Nidetch, each illustrating the resilience and determination inherent in their journeys. Goldsmith skillfully narrates Puzo's trajectory, which was temporarily disrupted by World War II, and his subsequent pursuit of writing education at institutions like CCNY, Columbia University, and the New School for Social Research. Similarly, the story of Yip Harburg, an Oscar-winning songwriter born to Russian immigrants in Manhattan's Lower East Side, exemplifies the theme of overcoming adversity throughout the book.
The book is meticulously crafted, integrating photographs, quotes, and key information about eachââ?¬â??CCNY alumni's lives. This format effectively transports readers to various historical eras, offering insights into the social conditions of those times. For example, Samuel Joel Mostel's portrayal of Hamlet in a 1930s CCNY production provides a vivid snapshot of the school's rich cultural landscape during that period. Author Goldsmith provides a window into how the college and its students navigated significant historical events. For instance, the narrative about Ed Koch touches upon the impact of the Great Depression on his family. Goldsmith's portrayal of these alumni, including the story of Tony Curtis, who overcame a challenging childhood to become a Hollywood icon, is particularly inspiring. The book encourages readers to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and development.
This book is a valuable resource for current and former students of CCNY and anyone seeking motivation and inspiration. Goldsmith presents a compelling reminder that even the most challenging experiences and seemingly minor life events can shape one's future positively. CCNY Made: Profiles in Grit is a richly detailed and engaging compilation, offering historical insight and personal inspiration.
Sheri (Reader Views)
Jan 31, 2024
City College of NY has Raised World-Changers
I was curious when I saw the book title abbreviated as ââ?¬Å"CCNY.ââ?¬Â? However, upon reading, I discovered that CCNY stands for City College of New York. ââ?¬Å"CCNY Made: Profiles in Gritââ?¬Â? by Ronnyjane Goldsmith, and profiles thirty-two alumni, including four fictional ones, who have a connection to CCNY. The book, written with open-source intelligence, delves into the lives of these individuals, exploring their challenges, successes, and setbacks.
One of the notable personalities whose story appears here is Alfred Stieglitz. Known as the father of photography, he was the son of German immigrants. Another is William Klein. His career spanned the military, photography, and then filmmaking. Jean Nidetch, founder of Weight Watchers; Stanley Kaplan, the SAT guru; Andrew Grove, Intel�s third employee; Abraham Birnbaum, a one-time New York mayor who helped restore the city; Ed Koch, a foremost politician who was a one-time New York mayor; Felix Frankfurter, associate justice of the Supreme Court; Benjamin Ferencz, a veteran lawyer who pursued the law over war; Colin Powell, who was the third general since World War II to reach four-star rank without serving as a division commander; the life of Chayefsky and how he wrote the famous movie, Network, etc.
For Ms. Goldsmith to write a great review of people she never met or interviewed, only through the research she did on them, is something I commend. The biography of the great people in ââ?¬Å"CCNY Made: Profiles in Gritââ?¬Â? ranges from great politicians, musicians, poets, novelists, businessmen, etc. This book is, no doubt, very rich.
A compelling statement in this book by Colin Powell that struck a chord with me is,
Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position fails, your ego goes with it.
I observed no editing flaws, the language is clear, and the author aptly captures the essence of the book�s title. Additionally, I intend to watch a recommended top movie mentioned in the book. CCNY, as a citadel, has raised world changers. I recommend this book firstly to CCNY alumni because it is a take on their heroes, and to anyone else who enjoys short biographies of famous historical people.
