Historian Mike Wallace and His Impactful Work

Mike Wallace’s Legacy

Mike Wallace, known for his radical approach to history, co-authored the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Gotham.” This extensive work, created with Edwin G. Burrows, delves into New York City’s history up to 1898, focusing on social and economic conflicts. They skillfully merged numerous narratives into a single, engaging account.

A Passionate Historian

Born in Brooklyn, Wallace initially pursued a pre-med path at Columbia, following his mother’s wishes. However, after struggling with organic chemistry, he turned to history. His interest grew through his participation in protests during the Vietnam War era, which led to his arrest in the 1968 student takeover at Columbia.

A New Perspective on History

Wallace’s take on history was decidedly from the bottom up. He emphasized how capitalism, along with social and economic class distinctions, significantly influenced history. He highlighted the perspectives of women, Black people, and the working class, who had often been absent from traditional historical narratives. Wallace argued that dominant classes in America often shaped historical accounts, either knowingly or unintentionally.

The Long Journey to “Gotham”

Wallace and Burrows began a scholarly pursuit in 1976 with a $7,000 grant to explore the shift from feudalism to capitalism. They chose New York City as the central theme for their work, covering 500 years of history. This decision marked the beginning of a project that spanned decades and resulted in three comprehensive volumes on the city.