New York: Its Upper Ten and Lower Million

Published in 1853, 'New York: Its Upper Ten and Lower Million' by George Lippard explores the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty in New York City. The narrative follows the Van Huyden family, particularly Gulian Van Huyden, as their lives intertwine with a struggling mechanic and his wife who secretly adopt a newborn. The story spans over twenty-one years, revealing themes of social disparity, morality, and the impact of wealth in a rapidly evolving society, marked by dramatic events including Gulian's suicide.