"A Book for a Rainy Day; or, Recollections of the Events of the Years 1766-1833" by John Thomas Smith is a captivating collection of essays and reflections that transport readers to a bygone era. Smith, an artist and writer, shares his personal experiences and observations of life in 18th and early 19th century England. His vivid storytelling and keen insights provide a window into the social, political, and cultural landscape of the time, making it a delightful read for those interested i...

"Lives of Famous London Beggars" by John Thomas Smith is a fascinating exploration of the lives of notable beggars in London during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Smith, an artist and writer, provides vivid descriptions and anecdotes that bring to life the struggles and stories of these individuals. Through his detailed observations, he sheds light on the social conditions of the time, revealing how poverty and desperation shaped the experiences of those who resorted to begging as a me...

"The Cries of London" by John Thomas Smith is a fascinating exploration of the vibrant street life in 19th-century London. Through a series of detailed illustrations and accompanying text, Smith captures the essence of the city's street vendors, their cries, and the unique culture surrounding them. The book serves as both a historical document and an artistic representation, showcasing the diverse array of characters that populated the streets. Smith's work not only highlights the economic...

The Library of Alexandria is an independent small business publishing house. We specialize in bringing back to live rare, historical and ancient Books. This includes manuscripts such as: classical fiction, philosophy, science, Religion, folklore, mythology, history, literature, politics and sacred texts, in addition to Secret and esoteric subjects, such as: occult, freemasonry, alchemy, hermetic, shamanism and ancient knowledge. Our Books are available in digital format. We have approximat...

In "The Cries of London," John Thomas Smith masterfully captures the vibrant tapestry of 19th-century London life through the compelling medium of street cries. This richly illustrated work combines a unique blend of socio-cultural commentary and artistic representation, presenting the sounds and sights of the city'Äôs marketplaces and streets. Smith employs a vivid literary style, interweaving anecdotes and vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the bustling atmosphere of London'Äô...

This multigenerational memoir sketches the lives of three generations of the author’s family that were involved with some of the most profound issues of the twentieth century. Smith’s paternal grandfather was present at the creation of General Motors Corporation and served as its Vice President and General Counsel. His maternal grandfather, William G. Maguire, was an entrepreneur and natural gas pipeline pioneer with a visionary grasp of natural gas’s significance in the twentieth century ...

William Thackeray called it "the most laughable story that has ever been written since the goodly art of novel-writing began." As a group of travellers visit places in England and Scotland, they provide through satire and wit a vivid and detailed picture of the contemporary social and political scene. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to sc...

The Father of English painting, William Hogarth aspired to an art that would engage and delight ordinary citizens, rather than educated connoisseurs and critics, whom he despised. He achieved this ambition by creating a new type of painting, a comic strip-like series of pictures called ‘modern moral subjects’. Famous examples such as ‘A Harlot's Progress’, ‘A Rake's Progress’ and ‘Marriage A-la-Mode’ were reproduced en masse as popular engravings and were accessible to all. His wor...

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker was the last of the picaresque novels of Tobias Smollett, published in London on 17 June 1771 (just three months before Smollett's death), and is considered by many to be his best and funniest work. It is an epistolary novel, presented in the form of letters written by six characters: Matthew Bramble, a Welsh Squire; his sister Tabitha; their niece Lydia and nephew Jeremy Melford; Tabitha's maid Winifred Jenkins; and Lydia's suitor Wilson.Much of t...

Brought up to enter a learned profession, Henry Melton very successfully overcame his ‘aversion to going into trade’ and became hatter to the Prince of Wales. First published in 1865, Hints on Hats is a delightfully idiosyncratic account of Melton’s rise from opening a shop (having seen an opportunity for wealth and fame) to hatter to Edward VII and Prince Albert, whose patronage he was quick to exploit. First published in 1865, this book is part of the V&A Fashion Perspectives Series. Sel...

In "A History of the Cries of London, Ancient and Modern," Charles Hindley presents a captivating exploration of the auditory landscape of London, intertwining historical narrative with rich anecdotes. This unique text serves as both a social history and a literary curiosity, reflecting the bustling life of the city through the distinctive cries of its vendors. Employing a blend of vivid descriptions, Hindley brings forth the cultural significance of these cries, highlighting their evoluti...

"The Social History of Smoking" by George Latimer Apperson explores the cultural and historical significance of smoking throughout various societies. Apperson delves into the origins of tobacco use, tracing its journey from indigenous rituals to its widespread adoption in Europe and beyond. The book examines how smoking has influenced social interactions, economic practices, and even health perceptions over time. Through a detailed narrative, Apperson highlights the complex relationship be...