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Books matching: 19th century london

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  1. 'The Victorian City: Everyday Life in Dickens' London' by Judith Flanders is a meticulously researched and detailed exploration of life in London during Charles Dickens' time. The book delves into the mechanics of daily life, from jobs and transportation to sewer systems and entertainment, providing a vivid portrayal of the city during the 19th century. Flanders weaves in examples from Dickens' life and work, offering insights into the inspiration behind his novels and the realities faced by the poor and working class in London.

    The book offers a comprehensive look at the social, economic, and environmental challenges of the era, shedding light on the struggles of everyday people in a rapidly changing urban landscape. Through the lens of poverty and near-poverty, readers are transported to a London marked by unsanitary conditions, poor living standards, and the harsh realities of life for the majority of society during Dickens' time.

    Early one morning in November 1810, long before breakfast, a chimney sweep knocked at the basement door of a respectable house in Berners Street, just north of Oxford Street. He had been sent for, he ...

  2. #12

    The Secret River - Thornhill Family by Kate Grenville
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    Sal is the bright spot in Will Thornhill's life in the dark days of early 19th century London. They marry and life is good until he is convicted of theft and luckily is transported to New South Wales to a life of brutal work and hardship. Sal shares this harsh life and agrees to stay five years after he is emancipated and becomes a landowner. Their land on the Hawkeswbury River is primitive and inhabited by black aborigines. The resolution to the culture clash is inevitable as documented by history over the ages. Grenville's dispassionate and fair telling of this familiar story makes for an honest book about a disturbing event with tragic consequences. This is a superb book. At first, the story line seems to follow a slightly predictable path. Still, Grenville is a superb writer, so you're hooked the characters are alive, and you feel you're right there in early 19th century London Australia with them. As the book progresses, the story increasingly heads down into darkness you can feel it coming, but there's nothing you can do as a reader to stop it overwhelming the main character. Grenville is master of anti heroes I can never decide whether her protagonists are totally likeable. Yet, if they're not entirely so, that is only because they are totally realistic and recognizably human. Read it. It's superb.

    The Alexander, with its cargo of convicts, had bucked over the face of the ocean for the better part of a year. Now it had fetched up at the end of the earth. There was no lock on the door of the hut ...

  3. #13

    Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
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    In "Mr. Dickens and His Carol," author Samantha Silva presents a fictional recreation of the circumstances surrounding Charles Dickens as he struggles with financial difficulties and writer's block. The plot revolves around Dickens being pressured to write a Christmas story to save his career and family from ruin. The book combines elements of historical facts with imaginative storytelling to depict how Dickens finds inspiration and writes the classic Christmas tale, "A Christmas Carol."

    The writing style in "Mr. Dickens and His Carol" is described as engaging, heartwarming, and clever. Readers praise the author's ability to blend credible biography with paranormal elements to create a unique twist on the familiar redemption story. The book provides insights into Dickens' life, his struggles, and his transformation, offering a delightful mix of humor, mystery, and seasonal fantasy that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.

    His cravat was loose, top button of his waistcoat undone, study windows flung open as far as they’d go. Chestnut curls bobbed over his dark slate eyes that brightened to each word he wrote: this one, ...

  4. #14

    The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow by Jerome K. Jerome
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    'The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow' by Jerome K. Jerome is a collection of musings, humorous anecdotes, and philosophical reflections. The writing alternates between being humorous and sentimental, touching on a variety of topics that are relatable to every human being. The book offers a glimpse into Jerome's observations on life, society, and human behavior, providing a mix of funny, philosophical, and sometimes poetic insights.

    In this collection, Jerome K. Jerome weaves together a series of essays that explore themes such as idleness, vanity, memory, and the complexities of human nature. Through his witty and astute observations, the author invites readers to reflect on the quirks of everyday life, offering a blend of humor and thought-provoking insights that resonate with a wide range of readers.

    Now, this is a subject on which I flatter myself I really am au fait.The gentleman who, when I was young, bathed me at wisdom's font for nineguineas a term—no extras—used to say he never knew a boy wh...

  5. #15
    The Anubis Gates
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    Book 1 in the series:Anubis Gates

    The Anubis Gates - Anubis Gates by Tim Powers
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    The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers is a historical fantasy novel that combines elements of time travel, ancient Egyptian magic, and eccentric characters set in 19th century London. The story follows Brendan Doyle, an academic who gets stranded in the past after agreeing to guide a group of time travelers to a lecture by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As he navigates through a world filled with sorcerers, beggars, magicians, and supernatural threats, he becomes entangled in a complex plot involving Egyptian gods, body snatching, and a group of individuals attempting to alter history. The writing style of the book is described as engaging, quick-paced, and filled with rich historical details and folklore, creating a unique blend of genres and themes.

    “In this flowing stream, then, on which there is no abiding, what is there of the things which hurry by on which a man would set a high price? It would be just as if a man should fall in love with one...

  6. #16

    Drood by Dan Simmons
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    'Drood' by Dan Simmons is a captivating historical literary mystery that delves into the friendship and rivalry between Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. The story is narrated through the eyes of Wilkie Collins, who recounts the final years of Dickens' life after a near-fatal train accident and his obsession with a mysterious figure named Drood. The novel weaves a tale of intrigue, darkness, and madness, exploring the complexities of Dickens and Collins' relationship and the haunting inspiration behind Dickens' unfinished work, 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood.'

    I was out of town on the day of my friend’s disaster at Staplehurst, so it was a full three days after the accident that I received a message from my younger brother, Charles, who had married Dickens’...

  7. #17

    Flush by Virginia Woolf
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    'Flush' by Virginia Woolf is a unique biography of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's cocker spaniel, told from the perspective of the dog. The book delves into the life of Flush, from his arrival at the Wimpole Street house to his experiences in London and Italy with the Brownings. Woolf's writing style brings out the warmth and humor in Flush's character, offering a whimsical and fantastical view of the famous love affair between Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning.


  8. #18

    A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
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    A Little Princess is a heartwarming tale that follows the journey of Sara Crewe, a young girl who goes from riches to rags and back again. Set in a boarding school in England, Sara's life takes a drastic turn when her father, who had provided her with a life of luxury, passes away, leaving her penniless. Despite facing adversity and cruel treatment, Sara's optimism and belief in pretending to be a princess help her navigate through the challenges she encounters. The story beautifully captures Sara's resilience, kindness, and unwavering spirit, making her a character that readers of all ages can admire and find inspiration in.

    The book is written in a charming and enchanting style that captivates readers with its messages of generosity, imagination, and strength of spirit. Through Sara's journey of self-discovery and transformation, the author, Frances Hodgson Burnett, weaves a narrative that highlights the importance of inner qualities over material possessions. The vivid imagery and well-developed characters, along with the timeless themes of love, friendship, and perseverance, make A Little Princess a classic children's story that continues to resonate with readers.

    Once on a dark winter’s day, when the yellow fog hung so thick and heavy in the streets of London that the lamps were lighted and the shop windows blazed with gas as they do at night, an odd-looking l...

  9. #19

    The Magician's Nephew - Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
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    'The Magician's Nephew' by C.S. Lewis is the prequel to the beloved 'Chronicles of Narnia' series, showcasing the origin story of Narnia itself. The book follows two young children, Digory and Polly, as they embark on a magical adventure to another world after being tricked by Digory's uncle. Through their journey, they awaken the evil Queen Jadis, travel to Narnia, and witness the creation of this fantastical land through Aslan's song. The story is filled with wonder, beauty, fear, and joy, appealing to both children and adults alike, and setting the foundation for the rest of the series.

    The narrative style of 'The Magician's Nephew' is described as enchanting, imaginative, and beautifully written. Readers appreciate the detailed world-building, nuanced themes, and humor present in the book. The allegorical elements, biblical references, and the introduction of key characters such as Aslan and the White Witch add depth and complexity to the story, making it a captivating read that sparks a sense of adventure and imagination.

    “And if your father was away in India—and you had to come and live with an Aunt and an Uncle who’s mad (who would like that?)—and if the reason was that they were looking after your Mother—and if your...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Chronicles of Narnia )

  10. #20

    Black Hearts in Battersea - The Wolves Chronicles by Joan Aiken
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    Black Hearts in Battersea follows the adventures of Simon, an orphan who arrives in London to study art with his friend, Dr. Gabriel Field. However, upon his arrival, Simon discovers that Dr. Field has mysteriously disappeared, and no one in Battersea seems to remember him. As Simon delves deeper into the mystery, he befriends the Duke of Battersea, gets involved with a suspicious peasant family, and encounters the enigmatic Dido, leading to a tale of adventure and intrigue set in the early nineteenth century. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, involving a dastardly plot against the king, hidden identities, and a delightful cast of characters reminiscent of classic Victorian melodrama.

    The writing style of Black Hearts in Battersea is described as fun, quirky, and entertaining, with a touch of whimsy that makes even the most unbelievable elements enjoyable. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with suspense, humor, and colorful dialogues that bring the characters and settings to life. The book is praised for its engaging plot, charming characters like Dido Twite, and the seamless blend of adventure, mystery, and humor that keeps readers of all ages captivated till the very end.

    On a fine warm evening in late summer, over a hundred years ago, a boy might have been seen leading a donkey across Southwark Bridge in the city of London. The boy, who appeared to be about fifteen, w...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Wolves Chronicles )