The Making of an American

Name: The Making of an American
Author: Jacob A. Riis

By Jacob A. Riis

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About This Book

The narrator traces his journey from arrival as a penniless immigrant to gradual establishment in American life, recounting early hunger, a string of manual jobs, brushes with military service, and episodes of wandering; he describes entering business and journalism, domestic life and marriage, work among a crowded urban neighborhood, and the evolution from struggling laborer to author, lecturer, and civic actor, including encounters with reform efforts and influential public figures; the memoir blends episodic recollection, vivid urban scenes, and personal reflection to show how practical effort, chance, and relationships shaped his assimilation and public career.

About the Author

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.