The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets - Softcover

"It is as if our cities had not developed a sense of responsibility in regard to the life of the streets, and continually forget that recreation is stronger than vice." -Jane Addams

"It is impossible to convey here the serious worth of this practical discussion of a menacing evil, but it will be an equal impossibility for any true lover of his brother to remain inactive after reading these glowing and solemn appeals." -The Outlook

"Shows much sanity, such breadth and tolerance of mind, and such philosophic penetration into the inner meanings of outward phenomena as to make it a book which no one who cares seriously about this subject can afford to miss." -New York Times

"Defines the spirit of youth with its 'impatient idealism' and ardent enthusiasm and shows how these strong impulses which, under adverse circumstances, are a source of danger may be utilized for good by opening up the proper channels of pleasurable activity. A wise and sympathetic book, at once interpretative and practical, and should be invaluable to those who are trying to minimize the dangers which surround young people in large cities by giving them opportunities for recreation." -Booklist

"Characteristic in its gentle urgency, and replete with illustrative facts drawn from a vast human experience, these essays on the boys and girls, the young men and the young women, of American cities, are of exceptional value....One of the most illuminating chapters in the book is that which shows, most clearly shows, that much of the so-called crime among city youth comes not from criminal motives but from the natural spirit of adventure for which the youthful poor of our cities find such limited opportunities of expression." -The Public: A Journal of Democracy

"Interprets sympathetically the instinct of youth for play and adventure and points out the responsibility resting upon cities to provide proper places of amusement." -American Journal of Sociology

"Will enrich the viewpoint of anyone who has to deal with the city boy....Miss Addams's long experience in Hull House, Chicago, makes her an authority on the subject." -The Church School Journal

"Recreation as something sacred and holy....Miss Addams's latest and greatest book." -The Atlantic Monthly

"Her book is well worthy the study of all preachers and teachers." -Literary Digest

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I Youth in the City

CHAPTER II The Wrecked Foundations of Domesticity

CHAPTER III The Quest for Adventure

CHAPTER IV The House of Dreams

CHAPTER V The Spirit of Youth and Industry

CHAPTER VI The Thirst for Righteousness