The Victorian Visitors

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Like present-day New York, early-nineteenth-century London was an extraordinarily vibrant and creative metropolis to which visitors -- from scholars to social climbers -- went in search of wealth and fame. Called "an elegant and erudite introduction to nineteenth-century studies" (The Times), The Victorian Visitors lucidly captures the encounters between London and some of its most famous visitors who left an indelible mark on its culture. Among others, Christiansen reveals the great French artist Gericault painting the climax of a public execution and the finish of the Epsom Derby, Richard Wagner guffawing at anti-Semitic jokes in the restaurant of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Ralph Waldo Emerson driving Thomas Carlyle to distraction with his "moonshine" philosophy. A fascinating illustrated look at the cultural and social mores of nineteenth-century London, Christiansen's "delightful and insightful cultural history" (Booklist) challenges our stereotypes of Victorian England with vividly readable and often hilarious accounts of how British culture welcomed these remarkable foreigners. "This eloquent ... book does much to rescue Victorian Britain from its traditional image as a place of stolid public rectitude." -- Ben MacIntyre, The New York Times Book Review "A nimbly written, satisfyingly detailed survey, suggesting new directions in considering the Victorian era." -- Kirkus Reviews "Offers a magic lantern of shifting perspectives of the glittering city ... [A] marvelous book." -- Cristina Monet, Los Angeles Times