A Child of the Jago

A Child of the Jago tells the story of Dicky Perrott, a young boy navigating the harsh realities of life in one of London's most notorious slums, the Jago. Surrounded by poverty, crime, and violence, Dicky grows up in an environment where gang warfare is common, and survival often depends on thievery. His initial ambition is to rise within the criminal hierarchy as a High Mobsman, a coveted position among the Jago's criminal elite. However, the arrival of Father Sturt introduces Dicky to the possibility of a different life, one that offers hope and a way out of the bleak conditions he knows all too well.

The narrative vividly captures the grim atmosphere of the Victorian underclass, shedding light on the struggles faced by children like Dicky. Morrison's portrayal emphasizes the brutal realities of slum life, where murder and violence are part of daily existence, and the police are often outnumbered and ineffective. Dicky's journey through this perilous world reveals the complexities of human nature and the impact of environment on one's choices and aspirations.

This edition of A Child of the Jago is enriched by Peter Miles's contextual background, which explores the social issues surrounding the novel's creation and the broader debates of the time. As part of the Oxford World's Classics series, it not only presents Morrison's compelling narrative but also offers valuable insights for readers seeking to understand the historical and social context of this classic work of slum fiction.