Lincoln Steffens (1866–1936)

If there was one book that compelled me to spend my life as an historian studying the Gilded Age and Progressive Era it is The Shame of Cities by muckraking journalist Lincoln Steffens. Collected in book form, these essays were originally published as a series of articles in McClure's magazine investigating the corruption of American cities. It tells a sordid picture of politics that shocked many at the time and contributed to some significant reforms and improvements in government practices.

This is a long read (884 pages), but if you like reading books about muckrakers, New York City, or newspaper reporting, this book is for you. I skimmed the beginning about Steffens's childhood, but read page after page of his account of a reporter's life in New York City in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Steffens had the crime beat and was chummy with Teddy Roosevelt, one of the Police Commissioners during the Reform Movement. He later touches base with Governor Roosevelt and then President show more Roosevelt. Steffens travelled to a number of cities and investigated the political machines for graft and corruption. I'm tempted to acquire the other books he wrote as well. show less

Inscribed, dated and signed by Steffens on front end page. Book is protected by a custom-designed book slip with a color illustration of The Shame of the Cities on both sides.