The Wilds of London (Illustrated)

The prefatory remarks to the present volume need be but few. It isnot claimed for it that in the strict sense of the term it is new. Thematerial of which it is mainly composed has already seen service inthe “serried columns” of certain daily newspapers, but, with allrespect for the reader’s superior judgment, I would submit that it isnot worn-out material, and that remade-up in the handier form ofbook shape, it may, perhaps, “ serve a turn, both as regardsentertainment and usefulness. As one whose delight it is to do hishumble endeavour towards exposing and extirpating social abuses,and those hole-and-corner evils which afflict society, I cannot but bepainfully aware of the many chances of success which are lost to thenewspaper correspondent through his inability to hold publicattention sufficiently long to any particular subject to secure for itthat amount of consideration which it may deserve.