Habitações Operarias (Working-Class Housing) is a piece of social investigation from 1892. Instead of telling a fictional story, author and journalist Teixeira Bastos documents the real, often grim, living spaces of Lisbon's working families. He walks the reader through different districts, describing the overcrowded tenements, the lack of light and air, and the desperate measures people took just to have a roof over their heads.

The Story

There's no traditional plot. The 'story' is the journey through the city's poorest neighborhoods. Bastos acts as our guide, pointing out the structural dangers of buildings, the shared courtyards that served as the only open space, and the economic traps that kept families in these unhealthy environments. He interviews residents and landlords, building a clear picture of a system that prioritized profit over people's basic well-being.

Why You Should Read It

It’s a surprisingly gripping read because it’s so immediate. You can almost smell the damp and feel the cramped quarters. Bastos doesn't just list problems; he shows how these living conditions directly impacted health, family life, and hope for the future. It makes you think about the foundations of modern cities and whose lives were built into—or sacrificed for—that progress. It’s a sobering but essential perspective.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers interested in urban history, social justice, or anyone who enjoys immersive nonfiction. If you liked books like How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis, you'll find a similar powerful energy here. It’s a short, focused book that packs a real punch and leaves a lasting impression about the spaces we call home.