The Shame of the Cities
The Shame of the Cities, published in 1904, collects the articles Lincoln Steffens wrote for McClure's Magazine exposing the corruption of American city government, and it became one of the founding works of the muckraking movement. Steffens reports on St. Louis, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago and New York, showing how political bosses, businessmen and police sold franchises, contracts and protection, and how reformers fought back. In his introduction he argues that the fault lies not only with politicians but with citizens who tolerate them, and with the businessmen who profit from bribery. The book remains a sharp portrait of urban politics in the Progressive Era. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Shame of the Cities
The Shame of the Cities by Lincoln Steffens can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Shame of the Cities online?
Yes. The Shame of the Cities opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Shame of the Cities free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Shame of the Cities is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Shame of the Cities in the public domain?
Yes. The Shame of the Cities by Lincoln Steffens is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Shame of the Cities?
About 4 h 14 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Shame of the Cities?
The Shame of the Cities by Lincoln Steffens is filed under "Classics" in the Vinteuil library.
