In "Victorian Derby", Harry Butterton gives readers a vivid experience of what life was like in Derby during the 19th century. "The Derby Mercury", the most important local newspaper of the time, provides the raw material for this fascinating look back into Derby's past, and the narrative is embellished with extensive contemporary quotations. The book is organised by themes reflecting the preoccupations of the Victorian inhabitants of Derby, including 'Places of Learning and Prayer', 'Workplaces', 'Up before the Beak' and 'Time Off'. The text is illustrated with pictures from the collections at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery and Local Studies Library, as well as with modern photographs of some of the city's remaining Victorian buildings. The book paints a detailed portrait of life during the years that Victoria ruled England, and is sure to appeal to anyone with an interest in the history of Derby city.