Mediæval London, Volume 1: Historical & Social

Name: Mediæval London, Volume 1: Historical & Social
Author: Walter Besant

By Walter Besant

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History - British History - Medieval/Middle Ages

About This Book

The work offers a comprehensive historical and social survey of medieval London, opening with concise portraits of successive sovereigns and their interactions with the city, then shifting to civic life: port and trade, the rise of commerce and gentility, street plan and architecture, domestic furnishings, wealth and social customs, food and recreation, literature, libraries, medical practice, recurring disasters such as fire, plague, and famine, and systems of crime and punishment, concluding with onomastic notes and appendices; the text is supplemented by maps, illustrations, and documentary material to illuminate urban institutions and daily life.

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.