Fear City

In "Fear City," historian Kim Phillips-Fein explores the gripping 1975 fiscal crisis that nearly bankrupted New York City, revealing the urban struggles that arose from austerity politics. As the city's debts soared into the billions, bankers and politicians argued for drastic cuts to services and jobs, igniting fierce resistance from unions and citizens. Utilizing unique archival sources and interviews, this vivid narrative illustrates how this pivotal moment reshaped New York's identity and influenced broader perceptions of government in the United States.