First published in 1981, this book examines the life of Arthur Harding, a well-known figure in the East End underworld during the first half of the twentieth century. The first five chapters survey his life in the ‘Jago’ slum between 1887 and 1896, offering a different view of an often vilified district. The subsequent phases of his life as a cabinet-maker, street trader and wardrobe dealer reflect the changing fortunes of the East End from hand-to-mouth conditions in the late-nineteenth century to comparative security in the 1930s.
The reader is introduced to some of the major features of East End life — back-street enterprise, neighbourhood solidarity, politics and popular culture. Among the many themes that can be traced are the relationship between the underworld and the local working-class community; the collusive understanding established between villains and the police; the effects of the criminalisation of street betting; and the relationship between Jews, non-Jews and what the author terms ‘half-jews’ in a district of high immigration. Drawn from transcripts of recorded reminiscences, this book provides an important text for understanding the political economy of crime — extended by the authors extensive footnotes and a preface discussing the peculiar moral complexion of south-west Bethnal Green.
Edited by:
Raphael Samuel
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 216mm,
Width: 138mm,
Weight: 566g
ISBN: 9781138212282
ISBN 10: 1138212288
Series: Routledge Revivals: History Workshop Series
Pages: 355
Publication Date: 11 August 2016
Audience:
General/trade
,
College/higher education
,
ELT Advanced
,
Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Preface; Acknowledgments; 1 Inside the Jago 2 Relatives 3 Home life 4 Out and about 5 Totting and busking 6 Bacon Street and Queen’s Buildings 7 Criminal apprenticeship 8 Gibraltar Gardens 9 Cabinet-making 10 The terrors of Brick Lane 11 Jews and half-Jews 12 Vendettas 13 Prison years, 1911-22 14 Gambling 15 Dealings with the police 16 Marriage 17 Wardrobe dealing 18 Domestic life and social change 19 The Gold rush 20 A shop in Brick Lane 21 Politics and philosophy of life; A glossary of underworld talk; Notes; Index Preface; Acknowledgments; 1 Inside the Jago 2 Relatives 3 Home life 4 Out and about 5 Totting and busking 6 Bacon Street and Queen’s Buildings 7 Criminal apprenticeship 8 Gibraltar Gardens 9 Cabinet-making 10 The terrors of Brick Lane 11 Jews and half-Jews 12 Vendettas 13 Prison years, 1911-22 14 Gambling 15 Dealings with the police 16 Marriage 17 Wardrobe dealing 18 Domestic life and social change 19 The Gold rush 20 A shop in Brick Lane 21 Politics and philosophy of life; A glossary of underworld talk; Notes; Index
