Title: How the Other Half Lives
Author: Jacob A. Riis
First published January 1, 1890
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140436792 (ISBN10: 0140436790)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
Jacob A. Riis’s groundbreaking work, How the Other Half Lives, published in 1890, brought to light the deplorable living conditions of the impoverished citizens in New York City.
Riis’s vivid and raw descriptions of the harsh realities of life for the poor had an immediate and profound impact on society. This influential book inspired a wave of social and political reforms that transformed the lives of millions.
Penguin Classics is proud to offer this powerful work as part of our global bookshelf, which includes over 1,700 titles from the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Our readers trust Penguin Classics to provide the most authoritative texts, enhanced by introductions and notes from distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as award-winning translations.
About the Author
Jacob August Riis, an American journalist who was guided by his Christian faith, dedicated himself to aiding the impoverished citizens of New York City. Riis focused much of his writing on their struggles and needs.
During his youth in Denmark, he was an avid reader of Dickens and J.F. Cooper, and his writing reflects the storytelling techniques he learned from many English-speaking authors.
Editoral Review
Jacob A. Riis’s How the Other Half Lives is a groundbreaking and eye-opening work of photojournalism, first published in 1890.
Riis was a Danish-American journalist who documented the living conditions of New York City’s impoverished and working-class populations. The book became an instant sensation, selling over 50,000 copies in its first year and bringing Riis national attention.
It became a key piece of the Progressive Era’s social reform movement and contributed to important changes in housing and labor laws. The book is divided into chapters that examine different aspects of urban poverty, such as tenement housing, child labor, and crime.
Riis uses vivid language and striking photography to paint a picture of a city that is both grim and hopeful. He introduces readers to real people with names and faces, showing their struggles and triumphs.
He also exposes the corruption and greed of those in power who profit from the poverty of others. One of the strengths of the book is Riis’s ability to communicate complex social issues in a way that is accessible and compelling.
His writing is clear and concise, and his photographs are both beautiful and devastating. He also provides historical context and statistics to support his claims, adding depth and credibility to his arguments.
However, one weakness of the book is its occasional use of language and descriptions that can be seen as racist and xenophobic. Riis often referred to immigrants and people of color in a derogatory manner, perpetuating the prejudices of his time.
This is a reflection of the author’s own biases and limitations, but it does not detract from the overall impact and importance of the book. How the Other Half Lives is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of social justice and urban development.
It provides a unique and detailed perspective on life in late 19th-century America and highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity. The book remains relevant today, as income inequality and housing insecurity continue to be major issues in the United States and around the world.
In conclusion, How the Other Half Lives is an essential work of photojournalism that deserves a place on every reader’s bookshelf. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of urban poverty and social inequality that continues to inspire and inform.
I give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on its historical significance, engaging writing, and stunning photography.
