London Labour and the London Poor

Written by journalist and reformer Henry Mayhew, a founder of the satirical magazine Punch, this is a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the underclass of Victorian London. Collecting testimonials from the lower strata of society, we encounter street entertainers, cabinetmakers, gingerbread sellers, swindlers and burglars. The intimate and detailed first-hand accounts provide an unprecedented insight into the day-to-day struggle for survival.