A Victorian portrait

Library Journal

From Miles's collection of 10,000 previously unpublished images, the authors have chosen 200 exemplars of Victorian life that ``require historical cross examination.'' Such themes as pride, love, the Empire, work, and leisure are thus examined through images of ordinary people taken by photographers from every corner of Britain. The range of photographs reinforces the text's contention that the widespread dissemination of photography and the exchange of images was a vital feature of Victorian life. Side notes highlight details of photographic processes, equipment, and backdrops. Good for general collections wishing to illustrate Victorian life.-- Barbara J. Dunlap, City Coll., CUNY