The book lifts the curtain on the dark pages of English history of the 19th century, the same era that is known to Russian readers from the novels of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters and which has not lost its dark appeal. It examines various aspects of English life - the underworld and the penal system, living conditions in English slums, street food in London, professions, treatment of children, workhouses, prostitution and many other topics.