The Seven Curses of London

by James Greenwood

Overview

To certain squeamish readers this useful and well-written volume will prove an unsavoury book; and even to those who have the nerve to witness agony and explore the lurking-places of crime, it will occasion no ordinary sadness and sense of repugnance. Redolent with the unwholesome smell of ill-drained alleys and over-crowded dwellings for the poor, it resounds in every chapter with the cries of violence and the mutterings of woe ... [review of The Seven Curses of London from the Athenaeum, 1869]. The 'Curses' themselves are: 1. Neglected Children 2. Professional Thieves 3. Professional Beggars 4. Fallen Women 5. Drunkenness 6. Betting Gamblers 7. Waste of Charity. There is more of Greenwood's 'undercover' work, including a visit to a 'baby-farmer' — one of those women who advertised in the press to 'adopt' unwanted children for a fee (the fate of such unfortunates was often criminal abuse or neglect). Other vivid passages include interviews with convicts; begging-letter writers; harangues against the corrupting influence of penny dreadfuls (sample prose: "... pouting coral lips, in which a thousand tiny imps of love are lurking ..."); the unfortunate class of prostitutes known as 'dress-lodgers'; a full list of the ingredients used to adulterate beer ("... Multum is a mixture of opium and other ingredients, used to increase the intoxicating qualities of the liquor ... "); a survey of betting scams ("... Mr. Ben W. will forfeit £500 if he does not send first and second for the Chester Cup. Send four stamps and stamped envelope, and promise a present, and I will send you the Chester Cup, Great Northern, Derby, and Oaks winners ...") and a good deal more. All of these combine to paint a revealing picture of life in 1860s London, making this book worthy of your attention. (Amazon)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783988269034
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	09/03/2023
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	329
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

James Greenwood, a pioneering English journalist and author, was born in 1832 in London. Known for his vivid and often gritty depictions of Victorian society, Greenwood's work provided a window into the lives of the urban poor and marginalized communities. His career began in earnest when he joined the Pall Mall Gazette, where his investigative journalism earned him the nickname "The Amateur Casual." Greenwood's groundbreaking exposé on the conditions of workhouses and slums, including his daring undercover stint in a Lambeth workhouse, brought public attention to the plight of the impoverished and influenced social reform.Greenwood's literary contributions extended beyond journalism; he authored several novels and non-fiction works that delved into social issues with a blend of empathy and stark realism. His writing style, characterized by meticulous observation and a compassionate yet unflinching narrative voice, resonated with contemporary readers and inspired future generations of social reformers and writers.Controversy was never far from Greenwood's career. His unvarnished portrayals of societal ills often clashed with the Victorian era's more sanitized public discourse, drawing both acclaim and criticism. Despite this, his influence on contemporaries like Charles Dickens and later social commentators is undeniable.James Greenwood's legacy lies in his fearless commitment to unveiling the harsh realities of his time, advocating for the voiceless, and pushing the boundaries of investigative journalism. His work remains a testament to the power of the written word in effecting social change, making him a figure of enduring relevance and intrigue.
James Greenwood (1832 – 10 December 1929) was an English social commentator, journalist, and prolific author. He was best known for his work as a reporter and writer during the Victorian era, where he focused on issues related to poverty, crime, and social reform. Greenwood's writings provided a window into the lives of the underprivileged and advocated for social change.