"How the Other Half Lives" is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the living conditions of New York City’s tenement dwellers in the late 19th century. Originally published in 1890, this work by Jacob Riis is a cornerstone of social reform writing. With its combination of brutal, honest writing and compelling photographs, the book pioneered the use of photojournalism to bring social issues to the forefront of public consciousness.
This paperback edition captures Riis’s original vision, offering a poignant exploration of urban poverty and the stark realities faced by the city's immigrants. Through detailed descriptions and harrowing imagery, Riis exposes the squalor and overcrowding in tenements while advocating for immediate policy reform, making this work as relevant today as it was over a century ago.
Readers and historians alike will appreciate this work for its historical significance and enduring relevance in discussions about social justice and urban development. "How the Other Half Lives" remains a critical resource for understanding the origins of modern social reform movements and the role of journalism in effecting change.