63 pages • 2 hours read
Henry MayhewLondon Labour and the London Poor
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1851A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.