In this enlightening and often shocking exposé of life on the streets of two of Europe's most romanticised and celebrated cities, Orwell describes in detail the day-to-day life of himself as a 'down-and-out', which involves hunger, filth, derision and often prejudice and violence. Alcohol is also a staple distraction on both sides of the channel for the destitute, and Orwell's comments on issues such as the emasculation of a man when he becomes a tramp are truly fascinating. An absorbing autobiographical report and an early exercise in 'fly-on-the-wall' and, arguably, 'gonzo' journalism, Down and Out in Paris and London follows Orwell as he tramps around both Paris and London (more often than not with his charismatic sidekick Boris).