Here and there in London

Name: Here and there in London
Author: James Ewing Ritchie

The novel is a satirical portrayal of Victorian society, focusing on the lives of London's upper class and their social conventions. It explores themes of morality, hypocrisy, and the effects of industrialization on traditional values. The narrative is presented through a series of vignettes, each highlighting a different aspect of London's elite culture.

By James Ewing Ritchie · First published 1864 · Genre: Travel, History, Cultural · 21 chapters · 52,939 words

First lines

Not far from Westminster Abbey, as most of our readers know well, stands the gorgeous pile which Mr. Barry has designed, and for which, in a pecuniary sense, a patient public has been rather handsomely bled. Few are there who have looked at that pile from the Bridge -- or from the numerous steamers which throng the river -- or loitered round it on a summer's eve, without feeling some little reverence for the spot haunted by noble memories and heroic shades -- where to this day congregate the talent, the wealth, the learning, the wisdom of the land. It is true, there are men -- and that amiable cynic, Mr. Henry Drummond, is one of them -- who maintain that the House of Commons is utterly corrupt -- that there is not a man in that House but has his price; but we instinctively feel that such a general charge is false -- that no institution could exist steeped in the demoralisation Mr. Drummond supposes -- that his statement is rather one of those ingenious paradoxes in which eccentric men delight, than a sober exposition of the real truth. Mr. Drummond should know better. A poor penny-a-liner of a bilious temperament, without a rap in his pocket, might be excused such cynicism; but it does not become an elderly religious gentleman, well shaven -- with clean linen, and a good estate. The House of Commons is a mixed assembly. It contains the fool of quality -- the Beotian squire -- the needy adventurer -- the unprincipled charlatan; but these men do not rule it -- do not form its opinion -- do not have much influence in it. It is an assembly right in the main. Practically it consists of well-endowed, well-informed business men -- men with little enthusiasm, but with plenty of common sense, and with more than average intellect, integrity, and wealth. Still more may be said.

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Here and there in London is listed on Textopian as a novel by James Ewing Ritchie, dated 1864 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: James Ewing Ritchie
Date: 1864 CE
Language: English
Genres: Travel, History, Cultural, Non-fiction, Guidebook
Length: 52,939 words
Structure: 21 chapters, 234 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Travel — The book provides detailed descriptions and observations of various locations in London, focusing on the experience of exploring the city.
History — It includes historical context and insights into the development and changes in London over time.
Cultural — The narrative delves into the cultural aspects and social life of London, highlighting its diversity and vibrancy.
Non-fiction — The book is based on factual accounts and real-life observations, presenting an informative perspective on London.