The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon

William Thomas Stead's 'The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon' delves into the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, examining the dark world of child prostitution. Written in a journalistic style, the book reads like a sensational exposé, shedding light on the exploitation of young girls in the slums of the city. Stead's graphic descriptions and vivid storytelling provide a harrowing look at the moral decay of society during that era, highlighting the urgent need for social reform. Inspired by real-life events, the book caused a scandal upon its publication in 1885, leading to a public outcry and eventually influencing the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Stead's work stands as a powerful piece of investigative journalism that helped bring attention to the plight of vulnerable children in London's streets.