This sweeping popular history is the unflinching story of one of America s most fascinating cities. Brad R. Tuttle's illustrated account is fresh and honest a critical tale that does not shy away from Newark's sometime seedy past. From its abrupt and steady decline following WWII to today's more hopeful future spurned on by a new real estate market and a growing population, How Newark Became Newark follows well-known and long-forgotten characters and significant events embodying the overall rise, fall, and rebirth of New Jersey's biggest city.