William Thomas Stead's 'The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon' delves into the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, examining the dark world of child prostitution. Written in a journalistic style, the book reads like a sensational exposé, shedding light on the exploitation of young girls in the slums of the city. Stead's graphic descriptions and vivid storytelling provide a harrowing look at the moral decay of society during that era, highlighting the urgent need for social reform. Inspired by real-life events, the book caused a scandal upon its publication in 1885, leading to a public outcry and eventually influencing the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act. Stead's work stands as a powerful piece of investigative journalism that helped bring attention to the plight of vulnerable children in London's streets.