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Founded in 1847 by Townsend Harris, CCNY has excelled in sticking to its noble purpose and affecting the lives of men and women who have shaped and continue to shape this country. The book gives a brief overview of the lives and contributions of over thirty people who attended CCNY and made an impact in America. A few of the notables include Uptown Sinclair, Ira Gershwin, Colin Powell, and Butterfly McQueen. Those profiled within overcame poverty, prejudice, and many other hardships and setbacks and illustrate the idea that hard work, perseverance, and a focus on bettering the individual to better society pays off. The contributions of these individuals have changed the lives of millions of Americans.
Goldsmith’s entries on the individuals profiled consist of short biographical studies of two to five pages and are clearly written. These profiles have been gathered from several reliable sources and read like long Wikipedia or encyclopedia entries while deftly injecting a little more of the individual’s personality into the account. Some of the people featured attribute a lot of their success to CCNY. However, others only attended very briefly and long before they really began on the path that would lead them to their true calling. Readers interested in the history of famous Americans will find this an easy book to pick up and read an entry or two between other tasks. Those who are interested in the history of academic institutions, and especially former students of CCNY, will likely appreciate this unique work the most.