The Old Showmen and the Old London Fairs (eBook)

Thomas Frost was a notable English writer and journalist of the Victorian era, remembered largely for his meticulous documentation of entertainment history, particularly in his seminal work, 'The Old Showmen and the Old London Fairs' (1874). Distinguished by his narrative skill, Frost combined a reporter's eye for detail with a novelist's flair for storytelling, offering readers a vivid panorama of the bygone era of English fairs and their colorful showmen. This book is regarded as a crucial resource for historians studying the cultural landscape of Victorian England, and it serves as a nostalgic tribute to the traveling entertainers and showmen who were a significant part of public entertainment at the time. Frost's contributions to literature and journalism are characterized by a dedication to capturing the spirit of the times in which he lived, often echoing the broader societal themes of the period through his pointed observation of social customs and entertainment forms. His work stands as an enduring example of 19th-century non-fiction writing, offering a window into the daily lives, pastimes, and cultural milieu of Victorian London and beyond. Frost's literary style is marked by a clear, accessible prose that aimed to engage his contemporaries and future generations with the rich tapestry of English social history.