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A Ten Years' War: An Account of the Battle with the Slum in New York cover

A Ten Years' War: An Account of the Battle with the Slum in New York

By Jacob A. Riis
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History - AmericanSociology

About This Book

A reformer documents a ten-year campaign against New York slums through vivid reportage, social analysis, and illustrated case studies. The narrative exposes overcrowded tenements, public-health hazards, juvenile gangs, and the daily strain on children and families, while tracing how speculative building, political obstruction, and weak laws perpetuate squalor. Interwoven with accounts of inspectors, civic advocates, and policy debates, the work advocates practical remedies—better housing design, light and ventilation, sanitation, playgrounds, school reforms, and humane enforcement—and records the setbacks and incremental victories that advanced urban improvement during the period.

About the Author

Riis, Jacob A. portrait

Jacob A. Riis

Jacob A. Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, journalist, and photographer, best known for his pioneering work in documenting the lives of the urban poor in New York City during the late 19th century. His influential book, "How the Other Half Lives: Studies Among the Tenements of New York," brought attention to the harsh realities faced by impoverished communities and played a significant role in the progressive movement for social reform. Riis utilized his skills in photography to capture the struggles of tenement life, advocating for better living conditions and social justice. His writings, including "A Ten Years' War" and "Children of the Tenements," continue to resonate, highlighting the importance of empathy and activism in addressing social issues.

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