Danish-American writer, photographer, and social activist (1849-1914) best known for his work in exposing and improving the squalid conditions endured by the poor in New York City. Scarce ALS signed “Jacob A. Riis,” one page, 6 x 9, personal letterhead, March 27, 1904. Handwritten letter to Denver-based lecture promoter Harry B. Smith, in full: “I have your letter, but I have not the book, and as I am going away to be gone a long time, I have asked the Macmillans to send you a copy. You must then paste the enclosed into the book. It is the best I can do. If your people will write me about September, being still of the same mind, I will arrange to stop and talk to you (without pictures) when I go to California in NOvember, or when I return.” In fine condition, with some light creasing. Accompanied by the original hand-addressed mailing envelope. Riis’s provocative photographic study of the slums, ‘Children of the Tenements,’ had been published by Macmillan in 1903, and was used as the background for his lantern slide lectures throughout the United States to promote slum reform.
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