Abstract

From slums to suburbs, freak-shows to fast food, prisons to pornography, 'A Dictionary of Victorian London' is a fascinating exposé of everyday life in the Great Metropolis of Victorian London. Compiling authentic nineteenth-century voices from a multitude of sources, including advertisements, diaries, court cases, journalism and guidebooks, Lee Jackson paints a unique picture of life in a vibrant and diverse city in an alphabetical guide that ranges from A for Advertising Vans ("devoted to the promulgation of the merits of Holloway's ointment in curing diseased legs") to Z for Zazel (the world's first human cannonball). With striking contemporary illustrations throughout, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the remarkable history of London and the enthralling lives of the Victorians.

From slums to suburbs, freak-shows to fast food, prisons to pornography, 'A Dictionary of Victorian London' is a fascinating exposé of everyday life in the Great Metropolis of Victorian London. Compiling authentic nineteenth-century voices from a multitude of sources, including advertisements, diaries, court cases, journalism and guidebooks, Lee Jackson paints a unique picture of life in a vibrant and diverse city in an alphabetical guide. With striking contemporary illustrations throughout, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the remarkable history of London and the enthralling lives of the Victorians.

'As if by magic, Lee Jackson rides to the rescue with his cornucopia of Victorian delight.' —'The Spectator'

 'This is a fascinating book to dig into.' —Museum of London

Lee Jackson is the author of the acclaimed Decimus Webb series of Victorian murder mysteries, including 'A Metropolitan Murder', 'The Welfare of the Dead' and 'The Last Pleasure Garden'. He lives in Stoke Newington, London, with his partner Joanne and their daughter Clara.

 'Our glimpse at the lives of those million creatures touches on a kaleidoscopic range of subjects… judicious choice of contemporary sources ensures Jackson's book never lapses into stale Victoriana.' —'FT Magazine'