Hawkers, Beggars and Quacks: Portraits from The Cries of London

by Sean Shesgreen

Exquisitely illustrated with late 17th century illustrations (known as ‘Cryes’) of street vendors, the lifestyle of each is illuminated, with detailed descriptions of the clothes they wore, the nature of their work and the cries they shouted or sung, to passing trade. Packed with minutiae this book gives a precise and evocative view of our ancestors who made ends meet on the fringes of society – resourceful people not to be pittied, but admired.

• Published by Bodleian Library Publishing at £35,(hardback) ISBN 9781851245512 HT