Twenty Years at Hull-House
About the Book
A bedrock text of American progressivism, Twenty Years at Hull-House tells the dramatic story of how social reformer Jane Addams cofounded and developed the Chicago settlement house into a community center dedicated to serving the city's immigrants and poor. Addams provides an eyewitness account of urban life in her lifetime while explaining the ideas and experiences that motivated her to dedicate her life to helping these Chicagoans. By arguing that Americans should respect immigrants' traditions, Addams created a successful template for integrating newcomers into society and empowering them to seek out what they needed from government, business, and other institutions. Addams' philosophy and tireless pursuit of social justice influenced people and movements around the world. One of the best-known public figures of her time, Addams won the Nobel Peace Prize and a century later remains an inspirational figure in American history.About the Author
Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a social activist, Progressive reformer, and author of many books of social criticism. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.Also by this author
Reviews
Blurbs
"One of the most important books ever written in the United States, Twenty Years at Hull-House remains a classic because it addresses large questions of human destiny and social justice in terms that are as relevant today as they were one hundred years ago."--Kathryn Kish Sklar, author of Catherin Beecher: A Study in American Domesticity
"Twenty Years at Hull-House is an indispensable classic of American intellectual and social history, and remains a rich source of provocative social theory. Jane Addams was both an activist of courage and 'a thinker of originality and daring.' Her life and writings exemplify the integration of social thought and action. Addams and her associates at Hull-House had wide-ranging influence not only on the key reform movements of their time but also on major currents of philosophical, sociological, and political thought. Filled with careful empirical observations, reflections on everyday life, accounts of practical action, and prescriptions for public policy, this small volume also embodies such important theoretical contributions as 'The Necessity of Social Settlement,' 'A Decade of Economic Discussion,' 'Tolstoyism,' and 'Problems of Poverty.' Long acclaimed for its autobiographical and historical value, Twenty Years at Hull-House should be read today as much for its enduring insights, critical analyses, and persuasive vision."--Bernice A. Carroll, editor of Liberating Women's History: Theoretical and Critical Essays
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