How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
A medical practice in 19th-century America wasn't yet a path to wealth and prestige, and Pitney hungered for both. (1.1)
It all starts with a dream. Jonathan Pitney is a humble doctor who has dedicated his life to helping the people of his community. But that's not enough for him. Pitney wants the American Dream, the whole shebang. He wants to rise in the ranks of society and emerge a bona fide member of the upper class.
Quote #2
A dozen or so families, these barons controlled most of the wealth […] and employed almost anyone who wasn't a farmer or fisherman. (1.25)
This is the state of society when Atlantic City is founded. There are pretty much only two groups of people, the mega-rich and everyone else. Luckily for the resort, this dynamic shifts as industry develops, changing the complexion of Atlantic City (and America) forever.
Quote #3
From Richards' perspective, more working-class visitors from Philadelphia were needed to spur growth. (1.59)
The founders of Atlantic City quickly realize that courting working class visitors will be their only chance at success. This is actually pretty revolutionary: Before Atlantic City, vacations were almost exclusively the domain of the wealthy and powerful.