London Labour and the London Poor

Richly detailed and exhaustively researched, this work offers a groundbreaking sociological exploration of London's street life in the 1840s, originally published as a series of newspaper articles. It captures the diverse and often harrowing experiences of urban denizens, blending elements of voyeurism with poignant social commentary. Celebrated by William Makepeace Thackeray as a "tale of terror and wonder," it presents a vivid portrayal of human existence, filled with both excitement and pathos, that stands apart from typical romantic narratives.