Out of Mulberry Street by Jacob A. Riis is a powerful and eye-opening look at the living conditions of the poor in New York City during the late 19th century. Through his vivid descriptions and haunting photographs, Riis sheds light on the overcrowded tenements, lack of sanitation, and the struggles faced by immigrant families trying to make a living in the bustling metropolis.

Riis's writing is both compelling and informative, drawing the reader in with his detailed accounts of the poverty and desperation that plagued the Lower East Side. His passion for social reform is evident throughout the book, as he calls attention to the injustices faced by the working class and advocates for change.

One of the most striking aspects of Out of Mulberry Street is the inclusion of Riis's photographs, which serve as a visual representation of the squalor and hardship experienced by those living in the tenements. These images add an extra layer of authenticity to Riis's narrative, driving home the harsh realities faced by the city's poorest residents.

Overall, Out of Mulberry Street is a poignant and thought-provoking read that offers a glimpse into a dark chapter of New York City's past. Riis's powerful writing and poignant photography make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of urban poverty and social reform.

Book Description:
These riveting accounts by Jacob A. Riis are from the late 19th century, when lower Manhattan was teeming with struggling, near-starving immigrants crammed into wretched fire-prone tenements. Riis writes compassionately of these people who were nevertheless incredibly resilient and ever aspiring to a better life; of children, lovers, parents, policemen and firemen; of moments of joy, holidays, tragedies, and much more. –Lee Smalley “Since I wrote ‘How the Other Half Lives’ I have been asked many times upon what basis of experience, of fact, I built that account of life in New York tenements. These stories contain the answer. They are from the daily grist of the police hopper in Mulberry Street…. They are reprinted from the columns of my newspaper and from the magazines as a contribution to the discussion of the lives and homes of the poor…. In this discussion only facts are of value, and these stories are true….” J.A.R. –From the Preface