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Original poster

Non-fiction on Victorian/Edwardian poor

60 replies

seaweedseven · 25/05/2021 13:55

I'm looking for recommendations for non-fiction books about the everyday lives of working class people in Victorian and Edwardian times, especially about workhouses, factory life, being a servant, women's lives, family life, etc. I've been researching my family tree and have got interested in finding out more about everyday lives in this era.

OP posts:
lavenderandwisteria · 25/05/2021 14:10

OP, if you can bear with me I have a book which I’m sure is called something like The Victorian Underworld. I’m happy to send it to you - IF I can find it! I think it’s out of print but you can probably find a copy on Amazon second hand.

DoingItMyself · 25/05/2021 14:10

The Classic Slum and A Ragged Schooling by Robert Roberts. Salford.

JassyRadlett · 25/05/2021 14:09

I found The Five to be fairly shattering on just how fine the line was between being just about ok and getting by, and everything falling apart, particularly for women.

I loved that she humanised and gave voice to the victims - the story of how they ended up in Whitechapel as a potential victim for Jack the Ripper, rather than what happened to them there when he found them.

Puppylucky · 25/05/2021 14:09

It's a bit left field, but I found The Five about the Jack the Ripper victims absolutely fascinating in its social history detail - who knew that Trafalgar Square was one massive homeless shelter?

Spudlet · 25/05/2021 14:05

Angel Meadow by Dean Kirby is interesting. It’s about a slum in Manchester that was infamous for being the worst in the country - even more than in London. It’s pretty desperate, the way that people were having to live.

UserEleventyNine · 25/05/2021 14:05

Yes, for London Mayhew would be first on my list. It's free online.

For England generally, especially rural areas, look out for books by Pamela Horn. Try Abebooks for second hand - usually cheaper than Amazon.

KaptainKaveman · 25/05/2021 14:01

Henry Mayhew's 'London Labour and London Poor is unbeatable.

UserEleventyNine · 25/05/2021 14:00

Any particular area? I can suggest some on London, not so much on other places.

PuffinPeter · 25/05/2021 13:58

Victorian London

PuffinPeter · 25/05/2021 13:57

About all aspects of society, not just poor but Victoria London by Liza Picard is good.