In the Footprints of Charles Lamb

"In the Footprints of Charles Lamb" by Benjamin Ellis Martin is a topographical biography that explores the world of Charles Lamb, a notable English writer, by tracing his life through the streets and locations of London that were significant to him. The book starts by explaining the author’s goal to connect Lamb's life with the specific places he inhabited, noting how some of his homes have been protected, and then it sets the stage by looking into Lamb’s early life. The book also sheds light on the important bond Lamb shared with his sister Mary, and hints at the difficulties they faced, creating a sense of the themes of affection, commitment, and the effects of mental health that will be examined throughout the story.