New York Waters: Profiles from the Edge is the first book to examine and record, in text and photographs, the lives of the men and women who live, work, or play in and along the rivers and coastal waterfronts that surround New York City. Through this collection of idiosyncratic individuals—young and old, male and female, of all ages—a picture of a previously unacknowledged New York community emerges, created by the very archipelago on which it exists.

The exploration includes all five of the city's boroughs and ranges from its most fabled bodies of water, such as the East and Hudson Rivers, to lesser-known ones such as the Erie Basin Arthur Kill, and Hempstead Harbor on Long Island’s North Shore. A remarkable variety of personal perspectives emerges, revealing what the subjects think about their life and work, and placing the book in the same rich tradition as Studs Terkel's classic, Working.

THE CHARACTERS:  Larry Seaman Sr., Eel Fisherman.  Rick Naruszewicz, Ferryboat Captain.  Adam Brown, Scuba Diver, Waterfront Activist.  Olga Bloom, Director, Barge Music.  Mike Gallagher, Shipyard Owner.  Philip Frabosilo, Urban Angler.  Teddy Jefferson, Guerilla Swimmer.  David Sharps, Waterfront Historian, Barge Owner. Manny Pangilman and Josh Hochman, Surfers.  Greg O’Connell, Waterfront Developer.  Pamela Hepburn, Tugboat Captain, Marine Preservationist.  Sal Polisi, Nautical Wood-Carver.  UK-Halsey Sailmakers, Sailmaking Company.  Bob Weaver, Ship Propeller Repairman.  Mark Rudes, Fish Wholesaler.  Owen Moriarty, Tugboat Captain.  John Mason, Circle Line Tour Guide.  Brian A. McAllister, Tugboat Company President.  Crew of John J. Harvey, Fireboat Preservationists.  Steve Kalil, Dry Dock Company President.