Curiosities of London Life

by Charles Manby Smith

Charles Manby Smith (1804-1880) was a Victorian essayist. He came up from the working-class and had a differing opinion of demoralizing effects of the penny gaffs. His works include: Curiosities of London Life (1853), Working Man's Way in the World (1854) and The Little World of London; or, Pictures in Little of London Life (1857).

Genres: History, Victorian

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1853

Reviews

[Paul Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a bit of a struggle to get through; Manby Smith shares Dickens's weakness for using ten words where one would suffice. It conveys an interesting account of mid Victorian London which clearly had an active "unofficial" economy akin to many Indian and African cities today. As a general read it is now rather turgid and past its sell by date.

[Kent Archie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting and available on Gutenberg. It is very tedious to read as the author writes a paragraph or two where a sentence would do. but it is a good reminder of how 19th century London was not a pleasant time, even if you were rich and a horrible place if you weren't rich

[Heather dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good series of testimonials involving the lower class.

[rjd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Portrayal

As this book shows our ancestors lived in squalor. It is too easy to romanticize the England of Dickenson. This shows an uncomfortable reality.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting live account of London in the 1850's. Great tool for research.