The book "The Palace and the Beast; or, Phases of London Life" by Daniel Joseph Kirwan is a profound reflection of the social and cultural contrasts of 19th century London. In his work, the author offers a slice of the life of a metropolis, where next to luxurious palaces and exquisite homes there is the gray reality of a miserable predator. The book tells about different aspects of the life of Londoners of that time, reflecting both the reflection of their dreams and the reality that surrounds them from all sides. This is a work that inspires readers to think about social issues, class differences and the meaning of dignity in modern society.