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London is to the politician merely a seat of government, to the grazier a cattle market, to the merchant a huge exchange, to the dramatic enthusiast a congeries of theatres, to the man of pleasure an assemblage of taverns... the intellectual man is struck with London as comprehending the whole of human life in all its variety, the contemplation of which is inexhaustible.
-- James Boswell
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In 1862, Henry Mayhew published his magnificent survey: London Labour and the London Poor. He opens the first volume with a detailed survey of the class of people who make their living on the streets of the metropolis, known as Costermongers. He then goes on to describe the varieties of people in each class. He begins with a general survey of the types of Street-Folk he encountered. He arranges them in six broad classes, which include Street-Sellers, Street-Finders and Working Pedlars. The Street sellers are the largest group, making up almost 75% of those who made their living on the streets. The range of items, or services, for sale is huge. Amongst the eatables we find sheep's trotters, hot green peas, and cat and dog meat! There were also marvels such as horses with six legs or two heads, industrious fleas or pig-faced ladies to be seen!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions we are told precisely what does and does not make a gentleman!
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this short piece he muses on the etiquette that must be observed by Royalty and notes the favourable reports of the behaviour of the young Queen Victoria. He also quotes Burke's unfavourable views on Lord Chesterfield, whose letters of advice to his son were widely read.
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The London Journal, launched in 1845, was one of the most widely read publications of nineteenth-century Britain. Its weekly appearance ushered in the period when mass-market reading, in a modern sense, was born. Between April 12 and August 30 1845, the Journal carried seventeen articles under the heading "Etiquette for the Millions," written by G.W.M Reynolds. They were clearly aimed at educating the mass readership (mostly the newly emerging middle-classes) in the behaviour expected of them in public. At times trenchant, the views expressed in the articles describe a view of society that is very, very different from that which we experience today. But, perhaps, one that many sections of modern society hanker after. In this set of instructions we are instructed in the courtesies, decencies, amenities, and proprieties of civilised life.
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