Jacob Riis's classic is an open window into a world unknown to most. Originally published in 1890, this classic inditement of slum life remains an outstanding example of the value of investigative journalism and its potential to change the world for the better. Riis was one of the earliest "muck-rakers," which President Theodore Roosevelt defined as, "taking the rake to uncover the most unpleasant conditions in American society." In the case of Riis, the issue at hand was the dire predicament of thousands of immigrants ...
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Jacob Riis's classic is an open window into a world unknown to most. Originally published in 1890, this classic inditement of slum life remains an outstanding example of the value of investigative journalism and its potential to change the world for the better. Riis was one of the earliest "muck-rakers," which President Theodore Roosevelt defined as, "taking the rake to uncover the most unpleasant conditions in American society." In the case of Riis, the issue at hand was the dire predicament of thousands of immigrants living and working in horrendous conditions in the tenements of New York City in the late 1800s. How the Other Half Lives is a well thought out non-fiction work documenting the filth of the tenements, injustices of the sweatshops, and perils of child labor (among other wrongs) personally witnessed by Riis. Jacob Riis, a Danish immigrant from the city of Ribe, was one of fifteen children. Upon reaching adulthood, Riis first apprenticed as a carpenter in the city of Copenhagen. Discouraged by the lack of employment available, he immigrated to the United States in 1870 at the youthful age of 21. In New York, he eventually found his way to a career in journalism. After accepting a position with The New York News Association , he started writing articles that covered both the wealthy and the impoverished. Riis' career, and platform from which he could campaign for change, took a big step up when he took a job at the New York Tribune . In his new position, he began writing articles with the intent of enlightening the public on How the Other Half Lives . He decided to make it his purpose to explore and photograph this sad reality, hoping the exposure would help alleviate the terrible living and working conditions of the penniless. Riis did just that by illuminating the filthy and revolting conditions of the "lower" classes to those in the upper and middle class best suited to make a difference. Riis' work was not in vain. His book led to decades of housing, sewer, and garbage collection improvements in the Lower East Side of New York City. This edition, which is illustrated with the photos he used, brings to life the experience of Jacob Riis as he uncovered the truth of How the Other Half Lives .
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 268 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 268 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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This famous book is, essentially, a book of photographs of how the poorest of the poor lived in New York's lower east side 100 years ago. My father grew up there back then, and I ordered two copies, one for my brother.
The books did not have a single photograph. It looks like someone may have photocopied the text, reprinted it so small as to be almost unreadable, and left out the one thing that made this book so famous, which was all the photographs.
I didn't keep the mailer the books came in, so I can't return them to the bookseller who sold me these frauds.
lesable
May 6, 2010
Gift
This was book requested for a gift. Happy with fast delivery to organization wishing donation.
RichardESchiff
May 7, 2009
Illuminating
Riis was the father of American Photo Journalism. Having spent time as a New York photojournalist, I realize the tremendous role he played in opening up that field.
He did more to help improve conditions for the nation's immigrants than many others who worked solely for that purpose.
I reccomend it heartily for any social historian.
Selina
Sep 27, 2007
An eye opener
This book is photo journalism at its best. I had to read this book in college and it really changed my perception in life.
This was written along time ago so some of the text can be considered offensive. There is a lot of use of negative sterotypes in this book. There is an especially poor opinion of the Irish in this book.
This book is really about the photographs of the poor living in tenements in New York City. Until this book was published most people in soceity were not aware of the living conditions of the poor. These haunted photographs brought about a massive public awareness. The plight of the tenements could no longer be ignored.
The photographs are haunting. The miserable conditions New York's poor lived in is heart breaking. The photographs are clear and high quality dispite their age. This is a great book for photographers, history buffs, and people who enjoy an interesting subject matter.