London fog

Christine L. Corton's book offers a definitive study of London's 'pea-souper' fogs, tracing their history from the early 19th century and exploring how these fogs became a defining feature of London in the global imagination.

The book treats fog not just as an atmospheric phenomenon but as a character in its own right—sinister, beautiful, and elusive.

It examines the fog's effects on public health, social life, crime, and culture, revealing how it symbolized Victorian anxieties and shaped perceptions of the city.

Corton's work is scholarly yet accessible, richly illustrated, and combines social history with vivid contemporary accounts.