The Bitter Cry of Outcast London An Inquiry into the Condition of the Abject Poor

** "The Bitter Cry of Outcast London" by Andrew Mearns, with William C. Preston, is a concerning examination of the crushing poverty experienced by London's most vulnerable people in the late 1800s. The book is both a detailed report and a criticism of society, focusing on the desperate living conditions and declining morals found in the city's poorest neighborhoods. The authors reveal how far the poor have fallen and, more concerning, the ways in which the Church has failed to help them. Mearns and Preston paint a grim picture of London slums, filled with overcrowded homes and low moral standards that grow from the roots of poverty. The book shares tragic stories of families facing neglect, illness, and despair, particularly highlighting the suffering of children. The purpose of the book is to advocate for a strong response from religious organizations to fight against these societal problems, insisting that relieving such suffering should be a top priority for the Church and for the rest of society. Through their reporting, Mearns and Preston urge people to acknowledge the desperate situation and act against the deep misery that has become so common. **