Jacob A. Riis 
Out of Mulberry Street: Stories of Tenement life in New York City 

Jacob A. Riis’s ‘Out of Mulberry Street: Stories of Tenement life in New York City’ is a poignant collection of narratives that provide a vivid depiction of the harsh living conditions in the tenements of New York City during the late 19th century. Riis’s writing style is powerful and evocative, capturing the struggles and resilience of immigrant families trying to make a living in a crowded and often squalid urban environment. Each story is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring quest for a better life amidst poverty and adversity. The book also serves as a valuable historical document, shedding light on a forgotten chapter of American urban life. Riis’s firsthand experiences as a social reformer and journalist give authenticity and depth to his storytelling, making ‘Out of Mulberry Street’ a compelling read for those interested in social history and immigrant experiences in America. This book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate insightful and moving accounts of the human experience in challenging circumstances.

About the author

Jacob A. Riis (1849–1914) was an influential Danish-American journalist and social reformer, renowned for his pioneering efforts in photojournalism and his commitment to spotlighting the squalid living conditions of the poor in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Before achieving recognition, Riis immigrated to the United States in 1870 and faced numerous hardships. His seminal work, ‘How the Other Half Lives’ (1890), brought him fame for its vivid and harrowing depiction of tenement life, making him an early advocate for tenement reform. Riis’s ‘Out of Mulberry Street: Stories of Tenement Life in New York City’ further encapsulates his dedication to social justice and is regarded as an extension of his earlier efforts to illuminate the struggles of the urban poor. Throughout his literary oeuvre, Riis employed a narrative style that intertwined personal anecdotes with social commentary, transforming personal observation into powerful advocacy for change. His writings laid the groundwork for future social reform in urban America and reflected a burgeoning Progressive Era ethos. Riis’s legacy endures in his profound impact on urban reform policies and his contributions to the practice of investigative journalism.