Beggars

"Beggars" by W. H. Davies is a narrative work likely written in the early 20th century. This insightful text explores the lives of beggars across America, delving into their experiences, customs, and the various nationalities represented among them. The author appears to offer a blend of social commentary and personal anecdotes, aiming to shed light on the complexities of begging and the circumstances that shape these individuals' lives. At the start of the book, the author discusses how beggars from different nationalities are perceived in America, emphasizing the American beggar's dominance and comparing them unfavorably to their European counterparts. Davies provides a vivid portrayal of the unique characteristics and behaviors of English, Irish, Scottish, and German beggars, detailing their approaches to begging and the social dynamics within their camps. This opening section sets the stage for a broader exploration of the communal life of beggars, filled with rich descriptions and cultural observations that engage the reader in understanding this marginalized group. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Henry Davies was a Welsh poet and writer, who spent much of his life as a tramp or hobo in the United Kingdom and the United States, yet became one of the most popular poets of his time. His themes included observations on life's hardships, the ways the human condition is reflected in nature, his tramping adventures and the characters he met. His work has been classed as Georgian, though it is not typical of that class of work in theme or style.