Final answer:
Jacob Riis' 'How the Other Half Lives' launched with 50,000 copies, followed by subsequent editions including a significant 250,000 copies in 1936 and translations into more than 20 languages. Its widespread distribution reflects the book's impact on social awareness and the power of photojournalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jacob Riis' groundbreaking work, How the Other Half Lives, achieved significant commercial success since its publication in 1890. The book was initially released with a remarkable first edition of 50,000 copies, highlighting its initial impact and public interest. Following its continued relevance and demand, a second edition of 30,000 copies was distributed, underscoring the lasting attention it garnered.
In 1936, the book's influence expanded dramatically with a massive printing of 250,000 copies. This edition was part of a broader wave of awareness and reflection on social issues, occurring roughly half a century after its first publication. Furthermore, by 1937, Riis' influential work had crossed international boundaries, being translated and produced in more than 20 languages of the Soviet republics. This extensive reach was a testament to its universal appeal and the importance of its social commentary.
The book not only provided powerful insights into the impoverished living conditions in areas like New York's Hell's Kitchen, but it also helped demonstrate the burgeoning power of photojournalism. Riis used photography, an emerging medium at the time, to capture and convey the stark reality faced by many, even though some photos needed to be staged due to technical limitations of the period. The combination of compelling narrative and visual storytelling was pivotal in illustrating the divide between the wealthy and the poor during the Progressive Era.