London

Name: London
Author: Walter Besant

By Walter Besant

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History - British

About This Book

An illustrated chronological survey traces the city's development from Roman and Saxon origins through Plantagenet, Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian stages, emphasizing streets, buildings, institutions, and everyday people rather than high political narrative. Using city records, contemporary tracts, household accounts, maps, and archaeological finds, the author reconstructs market life, guilds and companies, churches and monasteries, docks and trades, public ceremonies, and ordinary domestic practice, and examines the effects of plagues and major conflagrations. Chapters blend descriptive vignettes and documentary detail to recover the appearance, occupations, and rituals of urban life across centuries.

About the Author

Walter Besant

Walter Besant was a British novelist and historian, known for his vivid portrayals of London and its social conditions. His works often explore themes of social reform and the lives of the working class. Among his notable titles is "All Sorts and Conditions of Men: An Impossible Story," which critiques the disparities of Victorian society. Besant's writing is characterized by a blend of fiction and social commentary, making significant contributions to the literary heritage of the late 19th century. He was also involved in various philanthropic efforts and was a prominent figure in the promotion of literature and the arts.