Author to discuss new book on influential 19th century reformer and Green-Wood resident Henry George
Brooklyn BookBeat
On Oct. 17, historian, author and Professor Edward T. O’Donnell will visit Green-Wood Cemetery for a fascinating discussion about his new book, “Progress and Poverty in the Gilded Age: Henry George and the Crisis of Inequality.” The event will begin at 1 p.m. and after the talk participants will take a trolley ride through Green-Wood to visit the monuments of Henry George and other influential reformers.
During the tumultuous period in America known as the Gilded Age (1870-1900), financial fortunes were soaring ever-higher for only a small portion of society. Henry George emerged in the 1880s as a prominent reformer warning against the threats of increasing wealth disparity, inequality and corporate influence in politics. He played a key role in popularizing some of the foundational ideas of progressivism that shaped U.S. social and economic policy in the 20th century.
Today, George’s philosophy is more relevant than ever as America confronts similar questions about poverty, inequality and corporate power in what some have called a Second Gilded Age.
