Vignettes of Manhattan; Outlines in Local Color

The book consists of short pieces that capture various scenes and characters in Manhattan New York City during the late 19th century. Matthews employs local color and vivid descriptions to bring to life the bustling streets diverse neighborhoods and vibrant personalities that populated the city at that time. Each vignette in the collection offers a glimpse into different aspects of urban life from the interactions of everyday New Yorkers to the contrasts between the city's different social classes and ethnic communities. Matthews' writing style is characterized by its attention to detail and its ability to evoke a sense of place making the reader feel immersed in the sights sounds and atmosphere of Manhattan during the Gilded Age.