The Greatest Plague Of Life, Or The Adventures Of A Lady In Search of A Good Servant By one who has been "Almost Worried to Death"

by Henry Mayhew

Overview

Excerpt: "Ever since we first commenced housekeeping, I cannot say the creatures have let me know one day's perfect peace. A more indulgent master and mistress I am sure they never could have had. For myself, if they had been my own children I could not have looked after them more than I did—continually instructing them, and even sometimes condescending to do part of their work for them myself, out of mere kindness, just to show them how; and never allowing a set of fellows from those dreadful barracks in Alb—ny Str—t to come running after them, turning the heads of the poor ignorant things, and trifling with their affections, and borrowing their wages, and living upon me. And yet the only return the minxes made me was to fly in my face directly my back was turned, and to drive me nearly mad; so that at times I have been in that state of mind that I really did not know whether I was standing on my head or my heels. For what with their breakages—and their impudence—and their quarrelling among themselves—and their followers—and their dirt and filth—and their turning up their noses at the best of food—and their wilful waste and goings on—and their neglect and ill treatment of the dear children—and their pilferings—and their pride, their airs, and ill tempers—and those horrid soldiers—(but more of this hereafter)—I'm sure it was enough to turn the head of ten Christians. But I do verily believe that both my body and mind were giving way under it; and, indeed, our medical adviser, Mr. J——pp, (as I afterwards learnt,) told Edward as much, and that if he did not get me away, he wouldn't answer for the consequences; adding, that it was only the very fine constitution I had of my own that had kept me alive under it all. So that when Edward communicated to me what our medical adviser had said, and proposed that we should break up our establishment, and retire to a boarding-house, where at least{5} we might enjoy peace and quiet, I told him that I had long felt (though I never liked to confess as much to him) that my domestic cares had been making inroads upon my health and constitution that I never could restore, and that I would gladly give my consent to any course that he thought might add to his comfort; that all my anxiety had been to protect his property, and prevent his furniture from going to rack and ruin before my very eyes, but that if he wished to part with it, I would not stand in the way; for, to tell the truth, I was sick and tired of house-keeping and servants, and only too glad to wash my hands of them altogether."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783965378605
Publisher:	Otbebookpublishing
Publication date:	01/11/2020
Series:	Classics To Go
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	284
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Henry Mayhew (1812-1887) was a pioneering English social researcher, journalist, and playwright whose work left an indelible mark on the Victorian era. Best known for his groundbreaking work "London Labour and the London Poor," Mayhew delved into the lives of the city's underclass with unprecedented empathy and detail. His vivid, first-hand accounts of the struggles faced by street vendors, beggars, and other marginalized groups offered a raw, unfiltered look at urban poverty that was both shocking and enlightening to his contemporaries.Mayhew co-founded the satirical magazine "Punch" in 1841, which became a cornerstone of British humor and social commentary. His contributions to "Punch" showcased his wit and keen observational skills, often highlighting the absurdities and injustices of Victorian society.A controversial figure, Mayhew's unflinching portrayal of poverty and his call for social reform drew both admiration and criticism. His work influenced contemporary writers like Charles Dickens and George Orwell, who similarly sought to shed light on social inequities. Mayhew's revolutionary approach to journalism—blending narrative storytelling with meticulous research—paved the way for modern investigative reporting.Despite facing financial difficulties and personal hardships, Mayhew remained committed to his mission of social justice. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of the written word to inspire change and foster empathy. For modern readers, Mayhew's work offers a compelling glimpse into the human condition and the enduring struggle for dignity and fairness.
Henry Mayhew (25 November 1812 – 25 July 1887) was a journalist, playwright and advocate of reform. He was one of the co-founders of the satirical magazine Punch in 1841, and was the magazine's joint-editor, with Mark Lemon, in its early days. He is also known for his work as a social researcher, publishing an extensive series of newspaper articles in the Morning Chronicle that was later compiled into the book series London Labour and the London Poor (1851), a groundbreaking and influential survey of the city's poor.