Henry Mayhew: Poverty and the Humanitarian Middle Classes

In celebration of Henry Mayhew’s 200th anniversary in November 2012, HCRI (Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute at the University of Manchester) is glad to invite the public and scholars to re-visit the world of Victorian Poverty and the complex work of Henry Mayhew, journalist and wit, playwright, founder of Punch, educational writer, novelist for children, travel writer, hack and social explorer – author of London Labour and the London Poor. A major contributor to all debates on Victorian poverty and urban life in his lifetime, Henry Mayhew’s work has been an essential part of our understanding of the Victorian era since the 1960s.

Yet Henry Mayhew’s work is still in need of revisiting and further research. In order to advance our understanding of this neglected yet important author, the University of Manchester will host a day symposium on Friday 23 November, two days before his birthday.

The event will feature contributions from Carolyn Steedman, Bertrand Taithe, Donna Loftus, Karl Sabbagh and HENRY MAYHEW.