London

By far the most important place in the book is the city of London. During Mayhew's time it was a thrilling, exciting, fascinating, dirty, sooty, amoral metropolis where every kind of sin thrived. Almost any product one could name was available on the streets, often stolen and sold for a low price. Disease and accidental death abounded, leaving many orphans to shift for themselves. The wealthy had recently implemented workhouses and other programs to at least provide poor people with food and shelter, although they were not entirely successful and many died. Still, London was a beautiful city full of delightful sights and sounds.

The River Thames

The Thames ran through the heart of London. Mudlarks and other scavengers often waded up to their chest in the water, covered with filthy mud, trying to salvage anything that would bring a few pennies. They often stole a few...