Performing Arts - Five Points: The 19th Century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum

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Five Points: The 19th Century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum

Name: Five Points: The 19th Century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum
Price: 13.19 USD
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Book Synopsis: All but forgotten today, the Five Points neighborhood in Lower Manhattan was once renowned the world over. From Jacob Riis to Abraham Lincoln, Davy Crockett to Charles Dickens, Five Points both horrified and inspired everyone who saw it. While it comprised only a handful of streets, many of America’s most impoverished African Americans and Irish, Jewish, German, and Italian immigrants sweated out their existence there. Located in today’s Chinatown, Five Points witnessed more riots, scams, prostitution, and drunkenness than any other neighborhood in America. But at the same time it was a font of creative energy, crammed full of cheap theaters, dance halls, and boxing matches. It was also the home of meeting halls for the political clubs and the machine politicians who would come to dominate not just the city but an entire era in American politics.

Drawing from letters, diaries, newspapers, bank records, police reports, and archaeological digs, Anbinder has written the first-ever history of Five Points, the neighborhood that was a microcosm of the American immigrant experience. The story that Anbinder tells is the classic tale of America’s immigrant past, as successive waves of new arrivals fought for survival in a land that was as exciting as it was dangerous, as riotous as it was culturally rich.

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Step back in time and discover the hidden dark underbelly of 19th-century New York City with "Five Points: The 19th Century New York City Neighborhood that Invented Tap Dance, Stole Elections, and Became the World's Most Notorious Slum". This gripping and forgotten tale will transport you to the infamous Five Points neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, where the struggles and triumphs of America's most impoverished immigrants and African Americans unfolded. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this neighborhood that captivated the likes of Jacob Riis, Abraham Lincoln, Davy Crockett, and Charles Dickens.

Uncover the secrets of Five Points, where chaos and creativity collided. From riots to scams, prostitution to drunkenness, this neighborhood saw it all. But amidst the chaos, a vibrant creative scene thrived, with cheap theaters, dance halls, and boxing matches filling its streets. Be transported to this captivating era, where you'll experience the energy and resilience of those who fought for survival in a city like no other.

Anbinder, in his groundbreaking work, brings Five Points back to life by delving into fascinating primary sources such as letters, diaries, newspapers, bank records, police reports, and even archaeological digs. This meticulously researched first-ever history of Five Points allows you to relive the American immigrant experience and understand the challenges faced by successive waves of newcomers. It's a story that embodies the excitement, danger, and cultural richness of America's past.

Don't miss this captivating journey into the heart of a forgotten neighborhood that shaped an era. Immerse yourself in the pages of "Five Points" and let its evocative narrative transport you. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply crave a gripping tale, this book is a must-read.

Order Now and embark on an unforgettable exploration of Five Points!

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