"City That Was" by Stephen Smith offers a compelling account of the public health revolution that reshaped New York City in the nineteenth century, highlighting the broader sanitary challenges faced by cities worldwide. As a pioneering surgeon and public health advocate, Smith provides a unique perspective on this monumental social transformation, emphasizing its significance as one of the most impactful movements in civilization's history. The book's exploration of urban cleanliness and health resonates today, reminding us of the ongoing importance of public health initiatives in safeguarding communities.