London Labour and the London Poor, Vol. 3

"London Labour and the London Poor, Vol. 3" by Henry Mayhew is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This volume explores the lives and occupations of the street folk in London, focusing on the various laborers and performers who make their living in the bustling city. Mayhew delves into the conditions, earnings, and social dynamics of those at the margins of society, offering a vivid snapshot of urban life during this period. At the start of the work, Mayhew introduces the intriguing world of rat-catchers, specifically through the experiences of a skilled rat-killer who operates out of a modest court in Somers Town. The narrative vividly describes his home, his dealings with rats, and the dynamics of his work while highlighting the unique culture and community surrounding this unusual profession. Through observations of the rat-catcher's life and his candid remarks, Mayhew provides insight into the socio-economic challenges faced by the lower classes in London, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of street labor in subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Mayhew was an English journalist, playwright, and advocate of reform. He was one of the co-founders of the satirical magazine Punch in 1841, and was the magazine's joint editor, with Mark Lemon, in its early days. He is also known for his work as a social researcher, publishing an extensive series of newspaper articles in the Morning Chronicle that was later compiled into the three-volume book London Labour and the London Poor (1851), a groundbreaking and influential survey of the city's poor.