Arthur Morrison

Arthur Morrison (1863–1945) was an English author and journalist known for his realistic portrayal of London's East End, and his work in the detective fiction genre. Born in Poplar, Middlesex, Morrison began his career as a writer after working as a clerk at the People's Palace, in East London. His experiences in this impoverished area deeply influenced his writings, which often illuminated the harsh realities of life for London's working class at the turn of the century. Arguably, his most notable contribution to the literary canon is 'A Child of the Jago' (1896), which is a vivid account of life in the notoriously destitute Jago district of London. Morrison's portrayal of the brutal conditions faced by those in the slums brought attention to the plight of the urban poor. Aside from his social-realism novels, Morrison also made significant strides in detective fiction, with 'Martin Hewitt, Investigator' (1894) making him a contemporary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. His complete works encompass a range of styles beyond these, including tales set in the Far East, such as contained in 'The Hole in the Wall' (1902), showcasing Morrison's narrative versatility. His work is characterized by incisive social commentary and an acute attention to detail that brings the diverse facets of London life to the page with eloquence and authenticity.