PositiveThe GuardianThat bitter, dark brew underneath, as it turns out, is rich with information that will amuse and sometimes horrify its readers. To ease the transmission of such knowledge, Oneill addresses the reader affectionately, calling her/him by terms of endearment like 'darling,' 'cherie' and 'lambkin.' She oscillates between playing the role of the benevolent, all-knowing guide; the conspiring comrade and confidante; the whipsmart friend; and the expert Victorian slang translator ... Unusual sepia-toned illustrations, archival photographs, and advertisements appear throughout the book. These visual breaks provide comic relief from the grim realities that each chapter presents anew ... Oneill succeeds in making otherwise dry information sparkle.
