The Making of an American, Illustrated

The book reflects on perseverance and the cumulative effects of effort, illustrated through the metaphor of a stonecutter's relentless work. Jacob Riis emphasizes the importance of consistent determination, suggesting that success often comes not from a single effort but from the accumulation of many attempts. Through personal anecdotes and observations, the narrative explores themes of resilience, the immigrant experience, and the transformative power of hard work in shaping one's destiny in America.