Background material for study of 18th century literature, art, etc. or for reference. Not a book for the casual reader. The author recreates life in the century in which the American colonies sought -- and won -- freedom. Of interest from angle of history of sociology. London and the people in it, how they lived and what they wore and what and where they ate, and who they were. How they traveled, and what methods of communication they used. What sort of homes they had, how they entertained, and so on.