Richard D. Altick, distinguished scholar of Victorian studies, has, during the last thirty years, published numerous essays on a wide variety of topics. His insatiable curiosity about nineteenth-century English writers, the people who read their books, and the social and cultural climate of the era informs each essay as he guides readers from an exploding volcano's impact on Victorian poets to the ransacking of the London exhibition business records to the hilarious performance of longtime reactionary member of Parliament, one of Punch' favorite butts.