Published in 1902, this groundbreaking study offers a comprehensive picture of the economic conditions faced by working-class Americans at the turn of the twentieth century. Drawing on extensive survey data and firsthand accounts, the authors provide detailed information on the cost of living, rates of wages, and working conditions in a range of industrial towns across the United States. With its meticulous attention to detail and incisive analysis, this book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of American labor and economic inequality. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.