Homelessness is now a much greater problem than twenty years ago. In Britain today around half-a-million homeless people form a regrettable permanent 'underclass'. This book spells out their similarities with the spurned vagrant of bygone days. It traces how for centuries emergent laws have combated alleged threats from unruly vagrants while largely ignoring causal factors like economic fluctuation, bad harvests, disease and war. It is argued that only educational and social reform will alleviate the homeless plight.
'Humphreys' survey can be recommended as a comprehensive modern summary of long-term national responses to vagrancy.' - Pamela Horn, The Local Historian
'Humphreys is to be congratulated for attempting this overview. It (No Fixed Abode) should be required reading for policy makers and a copy ought to be sent post haste to the Social Exclusion Unit of the Cabinet Office'. - Dr A.J. Kidd, Economic History Review
'Humphreys is to be congratulated for attempting this overview. It (No Fixed Abode) should be required reading for policy makers and a copy ought to be sent post haste to the Social Exclusion Unit of the Cabinet Office'. - Dr A.J. Kidd, Economic History Review