How the Other Half Lives: A Jacob Riis Classic (Including Photography)
Jacob August Riis (1849-1914) was a Danish American social reformer, muckraking journalist and social documentary photographer. He is known for his dedication to using his photographic and journalistic talents to help the impoverished in New York City, which was the subject of most of his prolific writings and photography. He helped with the implementation of "model tenements" in New York with the help of humanitarian Lawrence Veiller. As one of the most prominent proponents of the newly practicable flash, he is considered a pioneer in photography. While living in New York, Riis faced poverty and became a police reporter that covered quality of life in the slums. He alleviated much of the poor living conditions many lower class citizens were subjected to.