Children of the Tenements
by Jacob Riis
'Children of the Tenements' Summary
"Children of the Tenements" by Jacob A. Riis is a classic non-fiction book that offers a captivating account of life in New York City during the late 19th century. The book is a poignant exploration of the daily struggles and triumphs of immigrant families living in cramped and often unsanitary tenement housing. Riis' work is an invaluable historical document that provides a window into the lives of people who were often ignored and neglected by society.
Riis was a Danish immigrant himself who rose to prominence as a social reformer and journalist. His work as a photographer documenting the slums of New York City brought him into contact with many of the people who appear in "Children of the Tenements." The book is based on his firsthand experiences living and working in these neighborhoods, and his observations are both insightful and deeply moving.
One of the most striking aspects of "Children of the Tenements" is Riis' attention to detail. He takes readers on a journey through the streets and alleys of the city, describing the sights, sounds, and smells that were all too familiar to the people who lived there. He also provides vivid descriptions of the people themselves, from the stoop-sitting grandmothers to the rambunctious children playing stickball in the streets.
Despite the hardships faced by the people he encounters, Riis' writing is infused with a sense of hope and resilience. He portrays the tenement dwellers as hardworking and resourceful, doing their best to make a life for themselves and their families despite the odds. He also highlights the many positive aspects of their culture and community, from the strong bonds of family and friendship to the vibrant street life that flourished in these neighborhoods.
Throughout "Children of the Tenements," Riis makes a powerful case for social and political reform. He calls on society to take responsibility for the welfare of its most vulnerable members and to create a more just and equitable society for all. His work helped to galvanize support for these causes and to raise awareness of the plight of immigrant families in America.
In conclusion, "Children of the Tenements" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of New York City or the immigrant experience in America. Riis' writing is both insightful and engaging, and his firsthand accounts provide a valuable perspective on life in the city during a pivotal period of American history. Whether you are a history buff or simply a lover of great storytelling, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1903Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Author
Jacob Riis
United States
Jacob August Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, "muckraking" journalist and social documentary photographer. He contributed significantly to the cause of urban reform in America at the turn o...
More on Jacob RiisDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
London Labour and the London Poor Volume IV by Henry Mayhew
The book provides an in-depth look at the lives of the working class in London during the mid-19th century. The book is divided into several sections...
Canada in War-Paint by Ralph W. Bell
This takes readers on a captivating journey through the evocative world of Canadian wartime art. From the vivid battle scenes to the intimate portrait...
Oracles of Nostradamus by Charles A. Ward
Charles A. Ward was considered one of the most knowledgeable in his studies of the prophecies of Nostradamus. Ward viewed the prophecies of Nostradamu...
The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, Book VI by Diogenes Laertius
There are 10 divisions in this title. This project is a recording of book 6. There is a number of interesting anecdotes on the lives of Antisthenes, D...
God and the State by Mikhail Bakunin
God and the State (called by its author The Historical Sophisms of the Doctrinaire School of Communism) is an unfinished manuscript by the Russian ana...
The Fireside Chats by Franklin D. Roosevelt
The fireside chats were a series of the evening radio addresses given by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, between 1933...
The Indians in Wisconsin's History by John M. Douglass
Pre-European arrival history of Wisconsin's Native American tribes, with discussions of their way of life, crafts, clothing, shelter, hunting, fishing...
The Life of Jesus Critically Examined by David Friedrich Strauss
Medical missionary Albert Schweitzer described Strauss' Life of Jesus as, "one of the most perfect things in the whole range of learned literature. I...
The History of England, from the Accession of James II - (Volume 3, Chapter 15) by Thomas Babington Macaulay
The History of England from the Accession of James the Second (1848) is the full title of the five-volume work by Lord Macaulay (1800–1859) more gener...
Chronicles of Canada Volume 10 - A Chronicle of Montcalm by William Charles Henry Wood
Montcalm is, of course, a very prominent character in every history of New France. This book gives a brief history of the Montcalm family in France an...
Reviews for Children of the Tenements
No reviews posted or approved, yet...