The Cries of London / Exhibiting Several of the Itinerant Traders of Antient and Modern Times

Name: The Cries of London / Exhibiting Several of the Itinerant Traders of Antient and Modern Times
Author: John Thomas Smith

By John Thomas Smith

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Art History - British

About This Book

The volume assembles engraved plates and descriptive texts documenting itinerant and street trades in London, combining copies of rare early prints with sketches drawn from life. An introductory essay and a biographical memoir of the author frame plates that depict ancient occupations (watchman, bellman, bill-man, water-carrier, corpse-bearer) and a wide range of modern hawkers, artisans, and performers. Short captions and anecdotes identify dress, tools, cries, and social function, producing a visual and antiquarian record of urban livelihood. An editor's postscript and engraved portraits conclude the collection and orient the material for contemporary readers.

About the Author

John Thomas Smith

John Thomas Smith was an English author and illustrator known for his vivid depictions of London life in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His notable works include "A Book for a Rainy Day; or, Recollections of the Events of the Years 1766-1833," which offers a personal narrative interwoven with historical events. Smith also contributed to the cultural understanding of urban society through his illustrated accounts in "Lives of Famous London Beggars" and "The Cries of London," where he captured the essence of itinerant traders and the vibrant street life of his time. His writings provide valuable insights into the social fabric of London during a transformative period.