Jacob Riis

Thisbiography traces Riis's life and evolution into a progressive socialreformer. He came to the United States in 1870, worked at a varietyof jobs, moved from place to place, and settled in as an early-dayinvestigative reporter, combining his descriptive writings withphotographs to tell the story of the urban poor. His compassion wastransmitted through his lectures, in such publications as Howthe Other Half Lives, and to influential friends like TheodoreRoosevelt. As the United States still seems to be divided into thewell off and the 'other half,' this well-written book will challengereaders to contemplate the social structure of contemporary Americaand what can be done to continue progressive reforms. Numerousblack-and-white photographs, albeit of average quality, and excerptsfrom Riis's writings contribute to an insightful work that is sure tohold readers' interest.