By Jennifer Glickel
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Over the last 15 years a lot has changed in the Big Apple — from MetroCards replacing the subway token to 9/11 — which is why the "Encyclopedia of New York City" has gotten an overhaul.
Originally published in 1995, the second edition of the "Encyclopedia of New York City" officially launches Dec. 1, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for all things Gotham — with some 800 new entries covering the people, places and events that have helped shape the city.
"New York City is an ever-evolving city," editor Kenneth T. Jackson told DNAinfo, explaining the overwhelming need for an updated version of the book.
New entries include Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the MetroCard, Abner Louima, the High Line, Bernie Madoff and Citi Field.
But the most significant new entry, Jackson said, is the one that changed New York — and the country — forever.
"We have two entries just on that," he said. "A Sept. 11 entry and then one about the planning of the National Sept. 11 Memorial & Museum.
"I suspect people are going to look to that entry first," the editor added.
In total, the book has 5,000 entries written by hundreds of contributors, reflecting a metropolis that has been on the upswing since the '70s — but especially since the '90s, Jackson said.
"I think the [new] entries in the encyclopedia reflect a city that's gotten a new sense of vitality and purpose," he said.
"There's a fascination with New York City because it's different, because it's unique, because it's special and, because of that, it's worthy of study."
