Maureen Waller

This is a book that does what it says on the tin. When you've finished it, you'll have a pretty clear idea about the sights, smells and activities of this overcrowded city and centre of commerce as it enters the eighteenth century. You'll read about rich and poor, immigrant Huguenots, prostitutes, life in the taverns and coffee houses. You'll find out what each stage of life is like, from newborn to elderly, for the well, the ill and diseased, the working person and the wealthy resident. It's full of incident and telling detail. A good, lively and informative read.… (more)