How The Other Half Lives: A Norton Critical Edition

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Discover the powerful insights of Jacob A. Riis’s groundbreaking work, complete with his striking photographs and detailed maps. This edition offers a deep dive into the lives of the urban poor at the turn of the 20th century.

An in-depth exploration of Riis’s influential social documentary and its historical context.

This Norton Critical Edition is based on the original 1901 Scribner publication and features all 47 of Riis’s iconic photographs alongside two maps. It includes an introduction by Hasia Diner that provides thoughtful context, as well as thorough explanatory notes to enhance understanding.

The extensive "Contexts" section offers a rich collection of writings, including Riis’s own autobiographical reflections and contemporary observations from figures like William T. Elsing, Thomas Byrnes, William Dean Howells, Lillian W. Betts, John Spargo, and Lillian Wald. It also presents modern evaluations of Riis and his seminal work by notable voices such as Warren P. Adams, Joseph B. Gilder, Margaret Burton, and Theodore Roosevelt.

From the vast body of literature on Riis and How the Other Half Lives, editor Hasia Diner has curated nineteen critical essays that explore key themes and perspectives, including:

• Louise Ware’s analysis of Riis as a police reporter, reform advocate, and civic figure
• Roy Lubove’s insights into the Progressive Movement and tenement reform
• Richard Tuerk’s focus on Riis and Jewish communities
• Maren Stange’s study of American social documentary photography
• Katrina Irving’s look at immigrant mothers
• Timothy J. Gilfoyle’s exploration of street culture and immigrant children

The edition also features a detailed chronology of Riis’s life and career, along with a selected bibliography for further reading.

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