The author, James "B.V." Thompson wrote this very long poem between 1870 and 1873. Its dismal and morbid tone reflects the despair of an atheist who has lost all faith, and found no substitute that would provide a ray of hope to alleviate his depression. Furthermore, it is an expression of his perception of the city of London. It was first published in 1874 in the weekly secularist publication, The National Reformer, which strongly promoted atheism, and was regarded as extremely radical in the 19th century.