As the title suggests, the story revolves around the Sandboys family and their attempt to travel from Cumberland to London to visit the 1851 Great Exhibition being held at Joseph Paxton's 'Crystal Palace' in Hyde Park. However, their journey is repeatedly interrupted by a number of problems, with Mr. Sandboys only arriving at the Exhibition just as it is closing. Mainly a humorous book full of comic misfortunes, this classic tale also comprises more serious observations about London and the Great Exhibition - a must-read for interested historians and collectors of Mayhew's work alike. Henry Mayhew was an English journalist, social researcher, playwright and reform advocate. Complete with original illustrations by George Cruikshank, this book was originally published in 1851 and is proudly republished now with a new introductory biography of the author.