Secret Commissions

The Report of our Secret Commission will be read to-day with a shuddering horror that will thrill throughout the world. This collection brings together nineteen key documents of Victorian investigative journalism, shedding light on social injustice and exposing unsparing descriptions of child abuse, animal cruelty, juvenile prostitution, sweat-shops, slums, gypsies, abortion, infanticide, and other contentious issues. The authors of these reports range from well-known writers to lesser-known names, all united in their pursuit of truth and justice. Detailed chapter introductions, original illustrations, and a historical overview of investigative reporting in the nineteenth-century press provide context and insight into this significant period in journalism. For those interested in understanding the evolution of investigative reporting, or simply seeking to confront uncomfortable truths, this collection is a valuable resource. The book features a range of topics and perspectives, offering a nuanced view of Victorian society and its struggles with social injustice. With detailed introductions, original illustrations, and historical context, Secret Commissions provides a unique window into the past, inviting readers to engage with the issues that shaped the era.