Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain
Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century Britain explores the vexed question of middle-class respectability in Victorian and Edwardian Britain. It focuses upon the life of London solicitor Hamilton Pawley (1860–1936), who was barred from working by the Law Society, twice declared bankrupt, and in 1919 was sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour for bigamously marrying a woman practically forty years his junior. If Pawley did not suffer the revenge of respectable society, it is difficult to think who would.

Drawing upon the fact that the disgraced and the disreputable have always tended to attract a disproportionate amount of attention, the book ranges widely, exploring such important issues as middle-class education, career choices, the dynamics of family life, and the workings of the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century legal system. It shows that Pawley was able to hold on to his professional – and even gentlemanly – status for far longer than seemed likely. This all suggests, the book concludes, that although respectability was as important to the middle class as we have always been told, it was both easier to acquire and easier to retain than we have generally been led to believe.

This book will appeal to all those interested in British society in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

1141311892
Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain
Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century Britain explores the vexed question of middle-class respectability in Victorian and Edwardian Britain. It focuses upon the life of London solicitor Hamilton Pawley (1860–1936), who was barred from working by the Law Society, twice declared bankrupt, and in 1919 was sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour for bigamously marrying a woman practically forty years his junior. If Pawley did not suffer the revenge of respectable society, it is difficult to think who would.

Drawing upon the fact that the disgraced and the disreputable have always tended to attract a disproportionate amount of attention, the book ranges widely, exploring such important issues as middle-class education, career choices, the dynamics of family life, and the workings of the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century legal system. It shows that Pawley was able to hold on to his professional – and even gentlemanly – status for far longer than seemed likely. This all suggests, the book concludes, that although respectability was as important to the middle class as we have always been told, it was both easier to acquire and easier to retain than we have generally been led to believe.

This book will appeal to all those interested in British society in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

190.0 In Stock
Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain

Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain

by John Benson
Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain
Add to Wishlist
Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain

Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Britain

by John Benson

Overview

Respectability, Bankruptcy and Bigamy in Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth-Century Britain explores the vexed question of middle-class respectability in Victorian and Edwardian Britain. It focuses upon the life of London solicitor Hamilton Pawley (1860–1936), who was barred from working by the Law Society, twice declared bankrupt, and in 1919 was sentenced to eighteen months’ imprisonment with hard labour for bigamously marrying a woman practically forty years his junior. If Pawley did not suffer the revenge of respectable society, it is difficult to think who would.

Drawing upon the fact that the disgraced and the disreputable have always tended to attract a disproportionate amount of attention, the book ranges widely, exploring such important issues as middle-class education, career choices, the dynamics of family life, and the workings of the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century legal system. It shows that Pawley was able to hold on to his professional – and even gentlemanly – status for far longer than seemed likely. This all suggests, the book concludes, that although respectability was as important to the middle class as we have always been told, it was both easier to acquire and easier to retain than we have generally been led to believe.

This book will appeal to all those interested in British society in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780367766856
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication date: 09/30/2022
Series: Routledge Studies in Modern British History
Pages: 146
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

John Benson is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Wolverhampton. He has written widely on modern British history, has held visiting positions in Canada and Japan, and has spoken on his work in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States of America.

Table of Contents

Introduction / A Secure Upbringing / A City Partnership / A Good Marriage / A Fading Career / A Failing Marriage / Family Feuds / Bankruptcy / Bigamy / Belligerence / Aftermath / Conclusions

From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Related Subjects

History
European History
British History - General & Miscellaneous
Great Britain - General & Miscellaneous History
History
European History
British History - General & Miscellaneous
Great Britain - General & Miscellaneous History

Customer Reviews