John Hollingshead's Ragged London in 1861, part of the Everyman History Classics series, provides a vivid and unflinching account of poverty and social conditions in Victorian London.
Through a series of detailed observations and investigative reports, Hollingshead sheds light on the lives of the city's most vulnerable inhabitants—the homeless, the working poor, and those living in slums. His work serves as a crucial historical document, capturing the harsh realities and challenging circumstances faced by a significant portion of the population during this era.
The book is a powerful piece of social commentary, revealing the stark contrasts of wealth and deprivation in one of the world's leading cities. It remains an important read for understanding the social history of 19th-century Britain.
 
Introduction and notes by Anthony S Wohl.