How the Other Half Lives

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 expe...