This vividly written book depicts life in mid-19th century New York-a city glittering and glamorous yet also plagued with political corruption, sanitation problems, and a growing gulf between rich and poor. Eric Homberger tells his story through intriguing portraits of representative New Yorkers-from an abortionist named ""Madame Restell"" to Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of Central Park-who placed important roles in various reform movements of the period.