Mike Wallace, a noted historian, is renowned for his influential book “Gotham,” co-authored with Edwin G. Burrows. This work, which explores New York City’s history up to 1898, received the Pulitzer Prize and inspired two subsequent volumes. The Pulitzer committee praised the book’s ability to weave various elements into an engaging narrative.
Mike Wallace passed away at the age of 83 in Mexico City. His wife, Carmen Boullosa, confirmed his death and shared that he had been dealing with Lewy body dementia. Wallace’s journey in history began in the 1960s. Initially a pre-med student at Columbia, his path changed after struggling with organic chemistry. This shift aligned with the build-up to the 1968 student protests against the Vietnam War, in which Wallace participated and was arrested along with hundreds of others.
Shifting focus to history, Wallace adopted a ‘radical’ approach. He emphasized the importance of understanding history from a grassroots level, acknowledging the significant roles of capitalism and class conflicts. He contended that traditional narratives often reflected the perspectives of dominant classes. Wallace actively included the stories of women, Black people, and the working class, aiming to give them a voice in historical accounts.
Wallace explored New York’s history over a monumental 500-year period. Initially, with Burrows, he intended to write about the global transition from feudalism to capitalism. However, they eventually chose to focus their study on New York City specifically.
The ambitious project began in 1976 with a grant of $7,000, marking the start of what would become a monumental scholarly endeavor.
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