Meet New Books
Meet New Books

Books Like...

'Lodon Labour and the London Poor' by Victor E. Neuburg and Henry Mayhew is a detailed exploration of the social events and extreme poverty experienced in 19th century England. The book provides firsthand accounts, in-depth descriptions, and interviews with individuals from various occupations, shedding light on the lives of the lower class in Victorian London. Mayhew's writing style is described as descriptive and keen, offering a window back in time to a period filled with sadness, suffering, and hardship.

Mayhew's work is commended for being a real eye-opener, providing a comprehensive look at the different facets of characters encountered in 19th century London, from deserving cripples to shiftless beggars. The book is considered an important resource for writers and those interested in British history, offering a detailed and non-judgmental portrayal of life in Victorian London.

If you liked London Labour and the London Poor, here are the top 6 books to read next:

Page 1
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 
  1. #1

    How to Be a Victorian by Ruth Goodman
    Save:

    'How to Be a Victorian' by Ruth Goodman is a comprehensive exploration of daily life during the Victorian era in England. The author, known for her hands-on approach, delves into various aspects of Victorian society, including work, leisure, hygiene, clothing, and even intimate details like sex and marriage. By immersing herself in the world of the Victorians, Goodman provides readers with a vivid and detailed account of what it was like to live during this period, offering a unique perspective that blends historical research with personal experience.

    Once you were up, to add warmth and comfort to an otherwise chilled start, at any hour, you would hope to step out on to a mat rather than the bare wooden floor. Aristocratic homes had handsome woven ...

  2. 'Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England' by Judith Flanders is an exhaustively researched account of upper middle-class life in Victorian England. Flanders delves into social conventions, such as social calling, decorating, food preparation, appropriate dress, expectations of domestic help, and mourning practices. She also explores the portrayal of women in periodicals, novels, and plays of the time, acknowledging the idealized expectations presented in these sources.

    Flanders presents a detailed look at domestic life in Victorian England, drawing from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive view of the era. offers insights into the daily lives of both the upper-class residents and the servants, shedding light on the realities behind the romanticized views often associated with this period.


  3. '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 ...

  4. #4

    The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
    Save:

    In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles masterfully plunges readers into 19th century Victorian England, exploring social customs, sexual taboos, and moral attitudes through the characters of Charles Smithson and Sarah Woodruff. The novel is a blend of historical dramatic fiction set in the late 19th century in England, written with touches of 20th-century metafiction, where the author cleverly critiques his Victorian protagonists from a modern perspective. Fowles presents a complex narrative with multiple possible endings, challenging the reader's perception of free will, evolution, and societal norms.

    The story follows Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina, who becomes fascinated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the spurned ex-mistress of a French naval officer. Through Fowles' unique narrative style, which combines elements of the Victorian era with 20th-century commentary, readers are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and personal identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and conflicting values.

    AN EASTERLY IS the most disagreeable wind in Lyme Bay – Lyme Bay being that largest bite from the underside of England’s outstretched south-western leg – and a person of curiosity could at once have d...

  5. #5

    The Quincunx by Charles Palliser
    Save:

    "The Quincunx" by Charles Palliser is a sprawling Victorian-style mystery novel set in 19th century London. The story follows young John Huffman as he navigates a complex web of secrets, coincidences, and revelations while trying to uncover his family history and potentially claim his inheritance. The plot is intricate and convoluted, with rich period details seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it a highly absorbing read that keeps the reader engaged till the end.

    Palliser's writing style has been compared to that of Charles Dickens, with meticulous attention to detail and evocative descriptions of London and its inhabitants. The novel is dense, detailed, and rewarding, offering readers a glimpse into the hard life of the time, from hidden secrets and family mysteries to encounters with both high and low society in the bustling city of London.

    It must have been late autumn of that year, and probably it was towards dusk for the sake of being less conspicuous. And yet a meeting between two professional gentlemen representing the chief branche...

  6. #6

    The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber
    Save:

    Set in 1870s London, "The Crimson Petal and the White" follows the lives of various characters navigating the stark realities of both poverty and wealth during the Victorian era. The story revolves around Sugar, a prostitute striving to improve her circumstances, and William, a complex character whose actions disappoint and intrigue readers. Michel Faber's writing style immerses readers in the sights and sounds of London, offering a detailed portrayal of the time period.

    Watch your step. Keep your wits about you; you will need them. This city I am bringing you to is vast and intricate, and you have not been here before. You may imagine, from other stories you’ve read,...

Page 1 of 1