The Art of Living in London - Henry Peacham.

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The Art of Living in London

Henry Peacham

Henry Peachams intention in the book “The Art of Living in London (1642)” is to give straightforward, moral advice for people living in, or visiting London. Peachams best-known work however, is perhaps “The Complete Gentleman” of 1622, which was re-printed in 1626 and again in 1634. This book was designed to be a handbook and guide for young men of good birth. It also offers a formula for the ideal gentleman. This essay will address the views and insights that Henry Peacham made in “The Art of Living in London.”

As an authority Peacham describes London as corrupt and seductive, but this could be seen as a very subjective view as his heart is in the country. He was born in Hertfordshire and his father was the reverend Henry Peacham of N. Mimms. He believes that it takes great skill to live in a place such as London, where lots of people live in close proximity.  It is also accurate to say that during this period and time Londoners experienced disease caused by a lack of hygiene and sanitation. Tuberculosis and small pox affected many families. Peacham suggests that the “best and wisest men” are content to live outside of the city but appreciate the feelings of many to live among the hustle and bustle. He says, “Yet some natures are so carried and led away with all variety of acquaintance and company that it is a death onto them to live by and to themselves.”

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Peacham describes the diverse nature of London from the nobility to the poor. Suggesting that people come to London to escape poverty, to seek employment or for the reasons of profit. It is true that life in Stuart England was lit up by striking contrasts. The greatest contrast of all was between the heights of individual wealth – with the nobility, merchants and professional men enjoying carefully acquired capital while in the depths of poverty many depended on the poor rate or on charity.

Peacham advises visitors to the city to ‘arm themselves with patience and to be ...

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