The Making of an American

"The Making of an American" by Jacob A. Riis is an autobiographical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative provides a vivid chronicle of Riis's life, exploring his journey from his childhood in Denmark to finding his place as an immigrant in America. It touches upon themes of love, identity, and the struggles faced by immigrants, painting a rich tapestry of hope, hardship, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. At the start of the book, Riis reminisces about his idyllic childhood in Ribe, Denmark, particularly the moment he first met Elizabeth, a pivotal figure in his life. As he reflects on his early experiences, Riis reveals the profound impact of his upbringing, his father's influence as a schoolmaster, and the sorrow associated with the tenement life that would later define his work as a journalist. He also recounts his dreams of adventure and the specific moment he decided to seek his fortune in America, marking a turning point from his tender memories to the harsh realities of life as an immigrant. As the opening unfolds, it sets the stage for an exploration of Riis's trials and triumphs, emphasizing the contrasts between his past and the future he seeks. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Jacob August Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, "muck-raking" journalist, and social documentary photographer. He contributed significantly to the cause of urban reform in the United States of America at the turn of the twentieth century. He is known for using his photographic and journalistic talents to help the impoverished in New York City; those impoverished New Yorkers were the subject of most of his prolific writings and photography. He endorsed the implementation of "model tenements" in New York with the help of humanitarian Lawrence Veiller. He was an early proponent of the newly practicable casual photography and one of the first to adopt photographic flash. While living in New York, Riis experienced poverty and became a police reporter writing about the quality of life in the slums. He attempted to alleviate the poor living conditions of poor people by exposing these conditions to the middle and upper classes.