London's Underworld
Both a thrilling exposé and a considered anthropological review, 'London’s Underworld' is driven by the author's conflicting feelings of admiration for the rebellious spirit which frees these criminals from the laws of reserved Victorian Society and also pity for the restless, violent attitudes which leave them stranded there alone.
Thomas Holmes (1846–1918) was a police-court missionary, criminologist and radical philanthropist. In 1905 he became secretary to the Howard Association for the reform of prisons and criminal law. His efforts afforded great change in the prison system, seeking to reform prisoners by providing honest work and education. A dynamic individual, his sympathy with the margins of society are reflected in his publications, such as 'Pictures and Problems from London Police Courts' (1900) and 'Psychology and Crime' (1912).
Iain Sinclair is a novelist, essayist, filmmaker and journalist. Among his many successful publications are' London Orbital' (2003) and 'Dining on Stones' (2005).