Daniel Wortel-London, The Menace of Prosperity: New York City and the Struggle for Economic Development, 1865–1981. Historical Studies of Urban America. Chicago; London: University of Chicago Press, 2025. 335pp. Bibliography; Index. £92 hbk; £26 pbk.

Key Points

• To analyze the challenges and transformations in economic development in New York City from 1865 to 1981.
• Historical analysis of economic data and urban policies
• Examination of primary and secondary sources
• Comparative analysis of different time periods within the study scope
• Identifies key challenges faced by New York City in achieving sustainable economic prosperity
• Highlights the impact of historical events on urban economic landscapes
• Reveals trends in economic growth and decline over 116 years