London Labour and the London Poor Volume II by Henry Mayhew is a comprehensive and eye-opening exploration of the lives of the lower class in Victorian London. Mayhew's detailed accounts of the struggles, hardships, and realities faced by the poor provide a stark contrast to the romanticized view of London during this time period.

The book delves into various aspects of the working class, including their living conditions, occupations, and social dynamics. Mayhew's firsthand interviews with individuals from different walks of life offer a poignant and raw representation of the challenges faced by those at the bottom rungs of society.

While the subject matter can be heavy and at times difficult to read, Mayhew's compassionate and empathetic approach to his subjects shines through in his writing. He gives a voice to those whose stories are often overlooked or ignored, shedding light on the harsh realities of poverty and inequality in 19th century London.

Overall, London Labour and the London Poor Volume II is a thought-provoking and important piece of social commentary that continues to resonate today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of class, poverty, and social justice in Victorian England.

Book Description:
Subtitled, "A Cyclopaedia of the condition and earnings of those that will work, those that cannot work, and those that will not work." "The history of a people from the lips of the people themselves .. their labour, earnings, trials and sufferings, in their own unvarnished language, and to pourtray the condition of their homes and their families by personal observation of the places ..." "My earnest hope is that the book may serve to give the rich a more intimate knowledge of the sufferings, and the frequent heroism under those sufferings, of the poor ..." Henry Mayhew was a social researcher and journalist. He compiled a four volume work in minute detail on the lives of the poor in London, of which this is the second volume, published in 1816. - Summary by Peter Yearsley