1851; Or, The adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Sandboys and family, who came up to London to enjoy themselves, and to see the Great Exhibition.

by Henry Mayhew

"1851; Or, The Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Sandboys and Family" is a humorous novel written in the mid-19th century. The story is set against the backdrop of the Great Exhibition in London and follows the quirky and comically naive characters of Mr. Christopher "Cursty" Sandboys and his wife, Aggy, as they navigate the chaos and excitement surrounding this monumental event. Readers are introduced to their children, Jobby and Elcy, whose youthful curiosity contrasts with their parents' staunch resistance to the allure of the city. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the frenzy within both the village of Buttermere and the entire country as citizens prepare for the exhibition. Mr. Sandboys, resistant to travel and convinced of the dangers of London, faces mounting pressure from his family to join their neighbors in this grand experience. As the village prepares to leave for London, the Sandboys family remains behind, leading to a cascade of humorous misfortunes, including the departure of their hired help and the gradual depletion of their supplies. Their isolation becomes a comedy of errors, setting the stage for more misadventures as they grapple with the lifestyle changes thrust upon them by their neighbors' enthusiasm for the exhibition.