How the Other Half Lives

Summary

"How the Other Half Lives" is a groundbreaking work that delves into the gritty reality of life in the tenements of New York City at the end of the 19th century. Through the innovative use of photography coupled with vivid narrative journalism, Jacob Riis exposes the dire living conditions, overcrowding, and stark poverty faced by immigrants and the urban poor. This book is not just a collection of images and stories; it is a powerful call to action, intended to arouse the conscience of its readers and advocate for significant social reform. Riis’s work brought to light the unseen hardship endured by many, making it a crucial piece of social documentary that influenced future generations of photographers, journalists, and reformers. It remains a poignant reminder of the power of media to instigate change and the enduring need for compassion and intervention in addressing urban poverty.