This was an interesting and valuable read. It's important to keep in mind that Schneer is very determined to make everything fit his imperial narrative, though - not that he'll let you forget it! ( )

I had expected more of a general look at the London of 1900 (cp. with "London 1945" by Maureen Waller), but to my disappointment, this turned out to be a somewhat dreary exercise in race, class and gender politics, with the incidents and personalities in question being given somewhat more prominence than they deserve in retrospect. About the best that can be said for the book is that choice of illustrations is good; the section on the docklands and the life there was probably the best of the writing in the book. Can't say I recommend. ( )