London Life in the Eighteenth Century

by Dorothy George

A combination of social history and reference work, this book tells the story of 18th-century London from the workhouse to the coffee-house. It devotes chapters to the health and condition of the poor, the growth of housing, immigrants and emigrants, London trades and crafts and the role of the parish. Every aspect of life is touched on, from the campaign against gin and the agitation for the protection of child chimney-sweeps to the improvements brought about by the Pavement Acts and the widespread new street lighting. By the 1780s the roots of the modern city had begun to grow and flourish.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1925

Reviews

[Marsha Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An older history book (it's from the 1920's) shows its age. There's a TON of useful information in here in terms of numbers and accounts, but the presentation lacks the analysis so crucial to bringing a big history book together, and as a result the chapters tend to wander in subject matter. Also some terms are no longer in use and it can make reading a little difficult. Still, useful for researchers.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful daily life details. Includes quotes from 18th century documents, lots of footnotes, statistical appendices, an index and an extensive bibliography. Plus, I really like the typeface my edition is in.