London Labour and the London poor;

Henry Mayhew (1812-1887) was initially a London attorney, but he soon abandoned law for literature. This is his principle work, which originally began publication in 1851 and, after a period of suspension, was completed in 1861. Volumes 1 - 3 of London Labour is a comprehensive account of the various trades of the 'street folk', accompanied by engraved plates depicting several of the workers. Volume 4 shows the darker side of London and focusses on those that will not work, such as the beggars, thieves, prostitutes and swindlers. It shines a light on working-class life in Victorian England and is both anecdotal and statistical.