Judit Kádár

Könyvszemle | Verő-Valló Judit: Egyedül a nagyvárosban. Garzonotthonok és lakóik Budapesten a 19. század derekától az 1940-es évekig (Budapest: Budapest Főváros Levéltára, 2024)

Introduction

Könyvszemle | verő-valló judit: egyedül a nagyvárosban. Garzonotthonok és lakóik budapesten a 19. Század derekától az 1940-es évekig (budapest: budapest főváros levéltára, 2024). Könyvszemle Verő-Valló Judit "Egyedül a nagyvárosban" c. művéről. Fedezze fel Budapest garzonotthonait és lakóit a 19. század közepétől az 1940-es évekig.

Abstract

Verő-Valló Judit, Egyedül a nagyvárosban. Garzonotthonok és lakóik Budapesten a 19. század derekától az 1940-es évekig, Budapest: Budapest Főváros Levéltára, 2024, 176 oldal, ISBN 978-615-5635-27-4, 5177 Ft.

Review

Verő-Valló Judit's "Egyedül a nagyvárosban. Garzonotthonok és lakóik Budapesten a 19. század derekától az 1940-es évekig" presents a compelling and focused examination of an often-overlooked aspect of urban life: the history of studio apartments and their inhabitants in Budapest. Published by the Budapest City Archives, this book immediately signals a commitment to thorough, localized historical research, likely drawing extensively from primary sources to reconstruct the everyday realities of these unique living spaces. The evocative title, "Alone in the Big City," hints at deeper sociological themes of solitude, independence, and the evolving nature of urban existence during a pivotal period in Budapest's modernization and social transformation. The subject matter holds significant potential for contributing to multiple fields, including urban history, social history, and the history of housing and architecture. By focusing on "garzonotthonok" (studio apartments), the author delves into the living conditions of a particular demographic, often single individuals, young professionals, or those seeking an independent urban lifestyle. This micro-historical approach promises to illuminate broader trends in urbanization, class structure, gender roles, and economic changes in Budapest from the mid-19th century through the interwar period and leading up to the 1940s. Understanding the development and usage of such housing offers crucial insights into how Budapest adapted to increasing population density and the changing demands of its citizens. At 176 pages, the book appears to be a concise yet comprehensive study, capable of providing a detailed analysis without unnecessary digressions. Its publication by the Budapest City Archives further suggests a robust grounding in archival research, lending considerable academic weight and credibility to its findings. This work would be of particular interest to historians of Budapest, urban planners, architectural historians, and scholars of social history looking for a nuanced understanding of domestic life and urban development in Central Europe. "Egyedül a nagyvárosban" promises to fill a notable gap in the existing literature, offering valuable perspectives on the complexities of urban living and the personal histories embedded within the city's built environment.

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