Sam Roberts (Author) Sam Roberts has written for the New York Times since 1983, where he has served as urban affairs correspondent since 2005. He is the author of numerous books on New York City, including Grand Central: How a Train Station Transformed America and A History of New York in 101 Objects.Pete Hamill (Foreword By) Pete Hamill, a Meyer Berger Award¿winning journalist, is the author of many bestsellers, including A Drinking Life and Forever.