The Great Riots of New York: 1712-1873

by Joel Tyler Headley, Thomas Rose (Afterword), James Rodgers (Afterword)

The Great Riots of New York presents an illustrated, fast-paced and chilling account of the major players and victims of over ten riots that rocked New York City from 1712–1873. Joel Tyler Headley's main purpose in writing this account over a century ago was to show his appreciation for the metropolitan police force, for he believed they "saved the city" during the Draft Riots. Using eyewitness testimonies by military authorities, policemen, and those involved, and extracting facts from available archives, pamphlets, and newspapers, Headley discusses with precise detail such uprisings as The Negro Riots of 1712–1741, The Doctors' Riots of 1788, and the Abolitionist Riots of 1834 and 1835, among many others. Headley creates a gripping narrative and writes with incredible flow, providing us with detailed accounts of these riots without overbearing us too much with his own opinions on the riots, the people who rioted, and the issues that were being rioted against. Out of print for fifteen years, The Great Riots of New York remains a fascinating history of how far nonviolent citizens will go in order to have their voices heard.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology, Historical, American History

328 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2003

About the author

Joel Tyler Headley was an American clergyman, historian, author, newspaper editor, and politician who served as Secretary of State of New York.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping in mind, of course, that these are only the great riots.

My go-to reference for discussions about the unexpected consequences of grave robbing and using a severed arm to taunt children.

[Peter J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstandingly informative read. I hadn’t heard of many of these riots (which would have been celebrated as “revolutions,” had they been successful); much to the shame of my professors. As much as I appreciate being exposed to the new information, I disagree with the author’s underlying thesis; that all natural human rights, constitutional protections, and even the very constitution itself should be suspended, if national security is jeopardized. Such an appeal can always be abused. “This guy didn’t register for selective service, ignore his rights and what the constitution says about it, since national security is at stake!” “That guy stole a lolipop! The nation won’t last if we allow it to fill with thieves! Club him!” Etc., etc., ad infinitum.

[Louis Picone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about the story of the riots, how they were perceived in 1873 when Headley wrote the original book as well as how the riots were perceived in 1969 (when the afterword was written) as well as the critique Headley's interpretation. Also fascinating to read about the study of violence which was in its infancy in 1969

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've lived for eight years in New York and experienced one small blackout, one large, one terrorist attack, one water main break, several huge anti-war rallies and one Republican National Convention rally, fears about anthrax and MRSA, threat levels of all colors, and we have the reputation of bearing up and moving on.

But New York today is nothing compared to what it was, to the days when riots were a more-or-less regular event, be they over scarcity of flour, the Stamp Act, racial or religious hatreds, the draft - what can top four days of draft riots experienced in 1863, when thousands of angry men and women took to the streets, burned and looted, attacked policemen, soldiers, and innocent passersby, and, in the end, forgot their cause?

And for sheer absurdity, the Astor Place riots took place because of a feud between a popular British actor and a popular American one; when the Brit came to New York to play Macbeth, his rival put up the same show across the street!

The book drags a bit in it's blow-by-blow accounts of mobs and the actions taken to subdue them - I will confess to having fallen asleep over this one on the subway more than once - and the author was a Know-Nothing, a true wacko of his day. But by and large he manages to hide his biases except towards the proper maintenance of order, and who can blame him after reading these accounts of utter disorder?

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, look, this was originally written a long time ago so be prepared for some rather unsavory descriptions at times and some downright racism. If you're able to move beyond that (and there were a few times I wanted to fling the book out of my subway car and into the east river) it's actually a fairly informative read. I didn't even know about some of these riots and found myself researching even more about some of them. Especially the Astor Place riot because really, people? Fighting over which actor is better? So ridiculously blown out of proportion and not worth death and injury.

And then there's the Draft Riots which are pretty godawful and an ugly mark in the history of New York City...so if you'd like an introduction to a city's history mired in riots and conflicts then this really is a good choice for a place to begin learning.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Riots of New York, despite being over 100 years old, is still highly readable. Joel Headly's text is clear and direct. His descriptions of New York's various riots are exciting and don't get bogged down in detail or asides. The centerpiece of the book, a narrative of the 1863 New York Draft Riots, is described almost like a battle. Indeed, Headly treats the Riots with such importance because he believed that they were a relevant extension of the Civil War during which they took place. A modern epilogue puts the text in context and makes the book even more enjoyable.

[Tom Darrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1873, this book contains many of the elements of books of that period. The writing style if dry and factual, but the information is good. Brings to light many of the lesser-known riots in NYC that shaped its history. The major draw back is one common to books of this sort... once you have read about several riots that are caused by similar things (racism, food shortages, etc) the rest get rather repetitive.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating facts and details for students of NY history. I had not realised the draft riots of 1863 were so protracted and so bloody. There is possibly too much diary-like reportage gleaned from the papers of that time but he certainly brings all the riot action over the decades to life. Perhaps a good starting point to fire the imagination for further study.

[David Vanness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short of this read a large portion of our history is missing from the American mind.