The People of the Abyss [Paperback]

An influential 1903 account of life among London's poorest East End residents at the dawn of the twentieth century.In this 1903 publication, which influenced later socially minded authors like George Orwell, American writer Jack London (18761916) examines the living conditions of the impoverished residents of London's East End, demonstrating how politics had failed the vulnerable. The text is illustrated with photographs of the places and people mentioned.In this 1903 publication, which influenced later socially minded authors like George Orwell, American writer Jack London (18761916) examines the living conditions of the impoverished residents of London's East End, demonstrating how politics had failed the vulnerable. The text is illustrated with photographs of the places and people mentioned.In the summer of 1902, respected American author Jack London (18761916), previously known for his descriptions of life during the Klondike Gold Rush, spent two months living 'down by the docks' in London's East End among the city's poorest residents. During this time he often slept in workhouses or on the streets, seeing first-hand how the impoverished struggled daily for adequate food, clothing and shelter while the rest of the city lived in relative prosperity - a prosperity which the author believed was gained at the expense of the poor. One of the earliest eyewitness descriptions of life in the slums of London, this book would influence later socially minded authors such as George Orwell. The text is also illustrated with photographs of the places and people mentioned, offering an important insight into the living conditions of the poor at the dawn of the twentieth century.Preface; 1. The descent; 2. Johnny Upright; 3. My lodging and some others; 4. A man and the abyss; 5. Those on the edge; 6. Frying-Pan Alley and a glimpse of the inferno; 7. A winner of the Victoria Cross; 8. The carter and the carpenter; 9. The spike; 10. Carrying the banner; 11. The peg; 12. CoronatlӅ