Susan Whyman's latest book tells the story of William Hutton, a self-taught workman who rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution in the rapidly-expanding city of Birmingham. This book brings to life a cast of 'rough diamonds', people of worth and character, but lacking in manners and education, who improved their towns and themselves.

The three volumes that make up this work are the records of the contents of The New-York Magazine from the years 1790-1797. This study contributes to ordering the data and easing the ongoing work of assessing the worth of this magazine. Its intention is to make further examination of The New-York Magazine easier and to parade facts useful to students of the history of magazines or of popular culture.