In 'New York: Its Upper Ten and Lower Million,' George Lippard delves into the profound disparities between the affluent and the impoverished in antebellum New York City. This work vacillates between social exposé and sensationalist narrative, offering a vivid tableau of 19th century urban life. Infused with rich detail and Lippard's characteristic muckraking zeal, the text is at once an indictment of social stratification and an absorbing journey into the environmental dichotomies of wealth and poverty. Through a mosaic of intertwining stories and complex characters, Lippard's writing fits within the larger context of American protest literature, echoing the concerns of a society grappling with the ethics of capitalism and the human cost of industrial growth. George Lippard, a prominent 19th century novelist and journalist, was deeply committed to social reform and used his literary talents as conduits for change. His philosophy was steeply influenced by the turbulent dynamics of urban socio-economic life and the rampant inequalities he observed. Lippard's writings demonstrate his profound empathy for the 'Lower Million,' and his attempt to voice the plight of the oppressed, while criticizing the indifference of the 'Upper Ten.' This inspiration is underlined by his involvement with the labor movement and his foundational role in the Brotherhood of the Union, a secret society advocating for worker's rights and social justice. 'The Upper Ten and the Lower Million' is a necessary read for both historians and literary enthusiasts. It offers an unflinching look into the complexities of American society during a key moment of transformation. Readers with interest in socioeconomic studies, as well as lovers of narrative non-fiction and historical novels, will find Lippard's work both enlightening and engaging. Its re-publication by DigiCat Publishing ensures that modern audiences have the opportunity to examine the intersections of class, power, and humanity that remain deeply relevant today.