Notes on Old Edinburgh

"Notes on Old Edinburgh" by Isabella L. Bird is a social commentary that presents a stark look into the lives of Edinburgh's poor during the 1800s. The book illustrates the difficult living conditions residents faced with the challenges of overcrowded housing and limited access to basic needs. Bird uses vivid descriptions and direct observations to paint a picture of the poverty, neglect, and resulting health issues affecting the less fortunate. With an emphasis on the need for social change, the book acts as a call to action for improved living conditions and moral support for Edinburgh’s disadvantaged.