63 pages • 2 hours read
London Labour and the London Poor
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Book Brief
544
Book • Nonfiction
London • 19th Century
1851
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
London Labour and the London Poor, a groundbreaking work by Henry Mayhew first published in the mid-19th century, investigates the lives of the urban poor in Victorian London. Through four volumes, Mayhew examines the daily struggles, work conditions, and personal stories of various individuals, including street vendors, laborers, and sex workers, offering a nuanced understanding of poverty, labor, and social inequality. The book discusses sensitive topics such as suicide, sexual assault, substance abuse, human trafficking, and racism, adhering to 19th-century language and perspectives.
Informative
Gritty
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
869 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew provides a vivid portrayal of 19th-century London's underclass, blending journalism and social analysis. Readers appreciate its detailed ethnographic insights and compassionate perspective. However, some find the prose challenging and the structure disjointed. Overall, it remains a seminal work in social history.
Who Should Read London Labour and the London Poor?
Readers who relish social history, urban studies, or Victorian literature will find London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew captivating. Comparable to Charles Dickens' works or Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives, it appeals to those intrigued by the lives of marginalized communities in historical contexts.
869 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bracebridge Hemyng
Bracebridge Hemyng
A British novelist who coauthored sections about sex workers in Volume 4, contributing to Mayhew's exploration of London's marginalized groups.
Andrew Halliday
Andrew Halliday
A Scottish journalist and dramatist who contributed the section on beggars in Volume 4, adding to the detailed portrayal of the city’s poor.
John Binny
John Binny
An investigative journalist who wrote the section on thieves in Volume 4 and coauthored The Criminal Prisons of London with Mayhew.
The Street Traders’ Protection Association
The Street Traders’ Protection Association
An organization formed to advocate for the rights of street traders, who were displeased with Mayhew’s portrayal of them in the book.
Jack Black
Jack Black
A skilled rat catcher whose interview with Mayhew offers insight into his occupation and techniques for controlling London’s rat population.
544
Book • Nonfiction
London • 19th Century
1851
Adult
18+ years
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