American Ground cover art

American Ground

Unbuilding the World Trade Center

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About this listen

 Noted author, war correspondent, and award-winning writer for the Atlantic Monthly, William Langewiesche furnishes a riveting firsthand account of the excavation of the World Trade Center ruins following its destruction on September 11, 2001. American Ground is an inspiring look at the often contentious mixture of personalities, politics, and emotions that fueled this massive effort. It is also a testament to American ingenuity in the aftermath of a great tragedy.©2002 William Langewiesche (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC Americas Freedom & Security Politics & Government United States War & Crisis

Critic reviews

"The most thoughtful and original [9-11] book to appear so far is American Ground, William Langewiesche's meticulous description of the rescue effort at Ground Zero and the subsequent excavation of the 1.8 million tons of debris at the literal and emotional heart of this calamity. Langewiesche was granted almost unlimited access to the site and the rescue staff, and he made the most of the privilege." ( Newsweek)
"This is a genuinely monumental story, told without melodrama, an intimate depiction of ordinary Americans reacting to grand-scale tragedy." ( Publishers Weekly)
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What an amazing and in-depth report into the Ground Zero clear up! Some hard truths but also details the intense work that went into the undeniably traumatic and difficult task of clearing up Manhattan. Really enjoyed this book!

Amazing insight into the parts of 9/11 that we never heard about!

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Although it sounds a bad thing I had huge anxiety attacks listening to this book.
it is a visceral telling of a well know (and still shocking) crime.
I cannot say how much I 'loved' this book.. I'm off to take a valium now though.
Bravo author and narrator 👏 👏 👏

amazing..

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The enthralling narrative pulls you into the scenes feeling every moment. Langewische brilliant as usual

excellent book, the enthralling narrative

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An amazing and captivating insight into the clean up operation after 9/11. Really brings it home what was achieved at such a difficult time

Captivating

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