Lost Londons: Change, Crime, and Control in the Capital City, 1550–1660

Cambridge Social and Cultural Histories #13

by Paul Griffiths

A major study of the transformation of early modern London. By focusing on policing, prosecution, and the language and perceptions of the authorities and the underclasses, Paul Griffiths explores the swift growth of London and the changes to its cultures, communities, and environments. Through a series of thematic chapters he maps problem areas and people; reconstructs the atmosphere of the streets; and traces the development of policing in the city. The book provided the first full study of petty crime before 1660, analysing worlds and words of crime, criminal rings and cultures, and tracking changing meanings of crime to reveal alternative emphases on environmental crimes and crimes committed by women. It also examines the key roles of Bridewell prison, hospitals, medical provision, and penal practices, shedding light on investigation, detection, surveillance, and public prosecution. Viewed through this fascinating account, the city will never look the same again.

Genres: History, London

564 pages, Hardcover

First published August 28, 2008

About the author

Paul Griffiths is Associate Professor of Early Modern British Cultural and Social History at the History Department, Iowa State University. His publications include Youth and Authority: Formative Experiences in England, 1560-1640 (1996) and, as co-editor, Penal Practice and Culture, 1500-1900: Punishing the English (2004).

Reviews

[saizine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While you certainly can't fault Lost Londons on its use/reference of documentary and primary sources, its failing is that the prose is just so... dry. Which is very unusual for me, as I can usually find something to be fascinated by in a historical monograph of this size. It's almost a shame as well, because the source material is so rich--there's just only so much I can take of the same paragraph structure over and over (i.e. statement + several sentences with a virtual list of quotes/references from source material that supports or illustrates said statement). Effective, though not necessarily engaging in the way I was hoping for. This is definitely one of those books that it's better to consult rather than to read cover to cover.

[Lashonda Slaughter Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly detailed depiction of London