The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon

William Thomas Stead's 'The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon' delves into the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, examining the dark world of child prostitution. Written in a journalistic style, the book reads like a sensational exposé, shedding light on the exploitation of young girls in the slums of the city. Stead's graphic descriptions and vivid storytelling provide a harrowing look at the moral decay of society during that era, highlighting the urgent need for social reform. Inspired by real-life events, the book caused a scandal upon its publication in 1885, leading to a public outcry and eventually influencing the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Stead's work stands as a powerful piece of investigative journalism that helped bring attention to the plight of vulnerable children in London's streets.

Auteur

William Thomas Stead (1849-1912) was an eminent English journalist, editor, and pioneering advocate for investigative journalism, whose work remains foundational in journalistic ethics and practices. His innovative methods in the burgeoning field of 'new journalism' included the use of undercover reporting techniques that would profoundly influence later generations of journalists. Stead's most notorious work, 'The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon' (1885), exemplifies his willingness to confront controversial issues head-on. In this series of articles, published in the 'Pall Mall Gazette', Stead exposed the dark underbelly of Victorian London by investigating and publicizing the city's trade in young girls for prostitution-an issue that had been largely ignored or accepted by society at the time. His bold exposé not only shocked the public but also led to legal reforms, namely the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885 that raised the age of consent from thirteen to sixteen. Stead's literary style often merged the investigative with the sensational, a synthesis that aimed to sway public opinion and prompt action. Although his methods were sometimes criticized for their perceived intrusion and melodrama, his impact on both journalism and social reform remains indelible. Beyond his reformist zeal, Stead was a prolific writer, contributing to a myriad of journals and founding several of his own, leaving behind a legacy that underscores the power of the press as a tool for societal improvement.