First published in 1882, All Sorts and Conditions of Men chronicles daily life in the East-end district of Whitechapel road, where people go about their business with an air of quiet resignation. The arrival of Miss Kennedy, who wants to establish a dressmakers' co-operative, causes great excitement, especially when it transpires she is a friend of Angela Messenger, heiress to a local brewing fortune. Meanwhile, Harry Goslet learns his is not an aristocrat but the son of a lowly army sergeant. Determined to return to his true roots, he moves to the East End, where he ends up in the same boarding house as Miss Kennedy. The two discover a mutual interest in social reform, imagining a People's Palace of delight where the working classes can enjoy recreational activities as a reward for their labours. Nothing is quite what it seems in this magical microcosm, and soon their dreams are realised in the shape of a shimmering edifice that transforms the local community. This edition includes: a critical introduction, explanatory footnotes, suggestions for further reading, and extensive contextual material.

Reprint of the textbook on the history of London, from the foundation to the reign of George II, illustrated with many pictures and maps. Originally published in 1894.

"South London" by Walter Besant is a comprehensive and illuminating journey that takes readers on a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of history, culture, and landmarks that define South London. With meticulous research and a genuine passion for the subject, Besant's narrative unfolds as an invaluable guide for readers eager to uncover the hidden gems and untold stories of this remarkable region. Besant's profound insights provide readers with a deep understanding of South London's historical significance, its evolving landscape, and the unique charm that sets it apart from other locales. As readers traverse the pages of this book, they are invited to embark on a virtual tour, where every street, building, and community comes to life with vivid descriptions and historical anecdotes. "South London" is not merely a book; it is a gateway to the past, a celebration of the present, and an invitation to explore the region's rich heritage. It serves as a testament to the enduring allure of South London and its capacity to capture the hearts and imaginations of all who venture within its borders. For those seeking to delve into the soul of a diverse and vibrant part of the world, Walter Besant's work is an indispensable resource that both informs and inspires, ensuring that the legacy of South London endures for generations to come.

LARGE PRINT EDITION. Autobiography of Sir Walter Besant (1902) is a posthumously published autobiography by Walter Besant. Although he is more widely known for his works of fiction and book-length studies of the city of London, Besant was also a gifted autobiographer whose unique sense of self and rich memories make for an entertaining, informative read. "I am supposing that [man] has the choice offered him, together with an outline of the future--not a future of fate laid down with Calvinistic rigour, but a future of possibility. And as time, past or future, does not exist in the other world, I am supposing that a man can be born in any age that he pleases." The son of a merchant, Walter Besant would combine ambition with wit to become one of Victorian England's leading intellectual figures. His autobiography is not just the portrait of a man, but a record of a century that saw empires rise and fall, industry outpace agriculture, and the life of humanity change forever, for better or worse. Unsatisfied with the success and fame he found in his literary work, Besant dedicated himself to social causes and was a true champion of the poor in London and around the world. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Walter Besant's Autobiography of Sir Walter Besant is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.