The Victorian Visitors: Culture Shock in Nineteenth-Century Britain

by Rupert Christiansen

Like present-day New York, early-nineteenth-century London was an extraordinarily vibrant and creative metropolis to which visitors -- from scholars to social climbers -- went in search of wealth and fame.  The Victorian Visitors lucidly captures the encounters between London and some of its most famous visitors who left an indelible mark on its culture. Among others, Christiansen reveals the great French artist Gericault painting the climax of a public execution and the finish of the Epsom Derby, Richard Wagner guffawing at anti-Semitic jokes in the restaurant of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Ralph Waldo Emerson driving Thomas Carlyle to distraction with his "moonshine" philosophy. A fascinating illustrated look at the cultural and social mores of nineteenth-century London, Christiansen challenges our stereotypes of Victorian England with vividly readable and often hilarious accounts of how British culture welcomed these remarkable foreigners.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Victorian, Travel

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Rupert Christiansen is an English writer, journalist and critic, grandson of Arthur Christiansen (editor of the Daily Express) and son of Kay and Michael Christiansen (editor of the Sunday and Daily Mirror). Born in London, he was educated at Millfield and King's College, Cambridge, where he took a double first in English. As a Fulbright scholar, he also attended Columbia University from 1977 to 1978.

Reviews

[Anissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one. Donating as I'm clearing my bookshelves for a move.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read some of the chapters (relating to my then-research topic). The author seemed a little undecided as to how specialized a readership he was aiming at, but certainly some background in 19th century history would be helpful.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and interesting look at some other aspects of the Victorians. Particularly liked the chapters on cricket. However I didn’t really grasp the overall theme of the book.