To London Town

"To London Town" by Arthur Morrison is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story paints a vivid picture of life in the eastern parts of London, centering on the experiences of an elderly butterfly collector, Mr. May, and his family as they navigate their rural existence amidst the encroaching urbanization of London. The book intricately delves into themes of family, loss, and the inevitable changes brought by progress. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. May and his crippled granddaughter, Bessy, as they journey through the lush greenery near their cottage, collecting butterflies and enjoying the beauty of their surroundings. Mr. May, a retired postman and an avid naturalist, is depicted as a diligent figure dedicated to both his work and family. As they encounter noisy Londoners and reflect on their simpler life, tensions mount as the shifting world around them grows increasingly unruly, foreshadowing the challenges they will face. The leisurely pace and descriptive world Morrison creates invite readers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while hinting at the struggles that lie ahead due to societal changes. (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).