Tales of Mean Streets

"Tales of Mean Streets" by Arthur Morrison is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The tales explore life in the East End of London, looking closely at the struggles, the aspirations, and the daily realities of its inhabitants. This vivid portrayal reveals the grim social conditions and the human spirit amidst adversity, focusing on characters whose lives are shaped by their environment." "The opening of the collection sets the stage by highlighting the East End as a neglected and misunderstood part of London, filled with squalor and hardship. It sketches a dreary street where families live in cramped conditions, struggling with poverty and monotony. The introductory piece establishes a sense of routine in the lives of its denizens, depicting various characters moving through their daily rituals with unwavering resignation. Among these, Lizerunt emerges in the first story as a young woman seeking affection and excitement, while the narrative showcases her interactions with local youth, including her romantic pursuits and the harsh realities that bind their lives together. The opening effectively immerses the reader in the stark landscape Morrison has chosen to explore, setting a poignant tone for the tales that follow." (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arthur George Morrison was an English writer and journalist known for realistic novels, for stories about working-class life in the East End of London, and for detective stories featuring a specific detective, Martin Hewitt. He also collected Japanese art and published several works on the subject. Much of his collection entered the British Museum, through purchase and bequest. Morrison's best known work of fiction is his novel A Child of the Jago (1896).