How did the Victorians come to grips with the vastly changing world in which they found themselves? This magnificent book, from the Whitbread Prize-winning author David Newsome, lays bare the Victorian mindset. 'David Newsome's Victorian World Picture...attempts to plait together all the sights, thoughts, smells and joys of the British people under Victoria...Newsome's awesome understanding of the continuities and the gaps between one corner of Victoria's kingdom and another allows him to paint a picture which is broad and detailed, general and refined...For anyone wanting to find a place of engagement, Newsome's book is a good place to start.' Kathryn Hughes, Daily Telegraph 'Thorough and timely...Mr Newsome certainly understands the Victorians...The author has read so widely and thought so extensively about his subject that he writes with great authority. He also writes exceptionally well...A highly readable and informative book.' Simon Heffer, Observer 'Newsome draws on an amazingly wide stock of references and incidents to flesh out his history, and makes good use of novels to illustrate points...[ He] has succeeded in painting his Victorian world picture in its many vibrant colours.' Economist