Palace and Hovel; Or, Phases of London Life

"Palace and Hovel; Or, Phases of London Life" by Daniel Joseph Kirwan, presents a vivid snapshot of 19th-century London through the eyes of an American observer. The book contrasts the opulence and destitution found throughout London. Starting from high above the city in the cupola of St. Paul's Cathedral, the narrative gazes down upon the sprawling metropolis, revealing a place rich in history and teeming with diverse populations yet marred by deep inequality. The book explores London's intricate society, contrasting the lives of the privileged with the hardships endured by the impoverished, and sets the stage for an exploration of the city's complex layers.