Product Description

Alongside the world of Pride and Prejudice and Vanity Fair, Byron, Keats, Constable and Nash, there also existed a pulsating underworld where crime and vice of every kind flourished. Venture into this forgotten world, and discover a fascinating place filled with pleasure-seekers, criminals and body snatchers at work. This revised edition has a new introduction by the author, and is illustrated with a variety of contemporary prints, portraits and cartoons to bring the period and the characters of this sinister period to life. Anyone with an interest in the period, or in the underground activities which tended not to be explored in the novels of the time, will find this essential reading.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #73052 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
Donald Low is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Stirling.

Customer Reviews

A guide to the Darker side of Georgian life
This is a great book giving you an insight into the darker side of Georgian life. A captivating read and a most enlightening book. A must for anyone trying to understand England in the 1800's.

This book will open your eyes to what lay behind the pomp and splendor of the times.

A fascinating insight into the Regency underworld
During each historical/social era (Renaissance,Regency,etc..)we admire the individuals, the art and architecture,literature ,lifestyle, building a romantic image of days gone by and wish we could somehow experience that beauty ,extravagance,knowledge etc..Yet we forget the reality of each era,the ugliness,hardship,murderous sacrifices,stench and the suffering which the majority of the population experienced and endured.
The regency underworld by Donald Low was a fascinating insight into the social reality of Regency England.It focuses on crime and the underworld ,covering topics such as Rookeries,thief takers,the nurseries of crime,the medical underworld, regency rogues and characters.
Written in an easy readable style I found it absorbing and enlightening, a real eye-opener to an era which is distinguished with cultural achievments..In particular, the chapter on the Medical underworld was an eye-opener,detailing horrific practices which as a result assisted in the progress of medicine and which we take for granted today.
Well written and well paced ,keeps the reader enthrawlled.