All Sorts and Conditions of Men; an Impossible Story

by Walter Besant (Creator)

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Genres: Fiction

444 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Sir Walter Besant was a novelist and historian from London. His sister-in-law was Annie Besant. The son of a merchant, he was born in Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire and attended school at St Paul's, Southsea, Stockwell Grammar, London and King's College London. In 1855, he was admitted as a pensioner to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1859 as 18th wrangler. After a year as Mathematical Master at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire and a year at Leamington College, he spent 6 years as professor of mathematics at the Royal College, Mauritius. A breakdown in health compelled him to resign, and he returned to England and settled in London in 1867. He took the duties of Secretary to the Palestine Exploration Fund, which he held 1868-85. In 1871, he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn.

Reviews

[Edward Janes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second time reading this book which is one of my absolute favourites. A forgotten classic first published in 1882, it is set amongst the working poor in the East End of London. When millionaire Angela Messenger decides to live and work under another name in the East End to best see how to help the people, she meets Harry, the ward of a lord who wants to find his roots. Together hatch a plan on how to transform the area and the future of its residents.

Comedy, romance, sattire but most importantly a commentary on the working class, poverty and working condition that would itself lead to social reform a few years later.

[Dawn Paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit wordy and wandering at places, but rather relevant to today's news. Themes of class, political rhetoric, philanthropy, community organization vs. government intervention--and a neat little love story.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very odd novel. An impossibility in the stark reality of the working conditions of the Victorian period. However, a really wonderful support to the discussion of working conditions, and the philanthropy that was taking place in the period to help elevate the working classes.