London Labour and the London: The Classical Study of the Culture of Poverty and the Criminal Classes in the 19th-Century Poor, Vol. 3

by Henry Mayhew

1861 milestone in sociology presents fascinating direct testimony of beggars, thieves, low working class of Victorian England. Over 80 illus. Most extensive work of its kind.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Sociology

447 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2010

About the author

Henry Mayhew (1812-1887) was an English social researcher, journalist, playwright and advocate of reform. He was one of the co-founders of the satirical and humorous magazine Punch in 1841. He is also known for his work as a social researcher, publishing an extensive series of newspaper articles in the Morning Chronicle that was later compiled into the book series London Labour and the London Poor (1851), a groundbreaking and influential survey of the city's poor.

Reviews

[Royce Ratterman]

London Labour And The London Poor V 1-4 shall remain a continual source of research for me throughout the upcoming years.
Referenced/Read for personal research and historical clarity. I found this particular volume of as much immense interest as the other three. The details given to the lives, jobs, activities, etc., portrayed are seemingly full of life - amazing tales of life's struggles and the spirit of human persistence.
This work is one of my resource sources for personal writing and/or ghost authoring.
I found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.
Overall, this 1860s work is also a good resource for the researcher, enthusiast and scriptwriter.
Considered (academically) as a literary source for the author Charles Dickens.

[Gillian]

An incredible undertaking to record in amazing detail the life of the poor of London around 1850. Many heart-wrenching interviews and the figures Mayhew gives (with all their little errors) show the wide discrepancy between those struggling to survive while others (usually their employers) stockpile their gold.

[Roger Thomas]

More interesting interviews of the poor of London and how they were
abused by their employers.