“We would wish for this little volume an attentive perusal on the part of all to whom inclination or duty, or both, give an interest in the moral, the social, and the religious condition of their fellow-men; above all, we should wish to see it in the hands of bishops, and other ecclesiastical dignitaries—of metropolitan rectors and fashionable preachers—of statesmen and legislators—and of that most mischievous class of men, well-meaning philanthropists. The picture of life in London, of its manifold pitfalls of temptation and corruption, which are here presented to the reader’s eye, is truly appalling. No one can rise from it without a deep conviction that something must be done, ay, and that soon, if the metropolis of the British Empire is not to become a modern Sodom and Gomorrah.”—_John Bull_. “There is a matter-of-fact reality about the sketches, but they are chiefly remarkable for the moral tone of their reflections. Generally speaking, painters of these subjects rather throw a purple light over the actual scenes, and say nothing of the consequences to which they lead; Mr. Ritchie is ever stripping off the mask of the mock gaiety before him, and pointing the end to which it must finally come.”—_Spectator_. “We have kept Mr. Ritchie’s book lying on our table, hoping that we might find an opportunity for making it the basis of an article on the fearful evils which it discloses. We must be satisfied, however, for the present, with recommending all our readers who are anxious to promote the social and moral regeneration of our great cities to read it carefully; and to remember, while they read, that London does not stand alone, but that all our larger towns are cursed with abominations, such as those which Mr. Ritchie has so vigorously and effectually described.”—_Eclectic Review_. “Mr. Ritchie is favourably known to us; nor do we think this little volume will detract from his reputation.”—_Daily News_. “Not ill done in parts, it is not done in a fast spirit or affectedly; and the moral tone throughout is healthy enough.”—_Illustrated London News_. “Mr. Ritchie’s sketches are lively and graphic in style, and convey truthful pictures of some of the dark phases of London life. His book may be regarded as supplementary to the Hand-books and Guides of the Metropolis, which lightly touch upon topics which are here specially described and vigorously commented on.”—_Literary Gazette_. “Mr. Ritchie’s graphic descriptions, though painful, may be useful.”—_Patriot_. “Mr. Ritchie’s work merits the attention of philanthropists and those interested in the education and improvement of all classes, since it will enable them to see the land of evil with which they have to deal.”—_Daily Telegraph_.