The London Book Fair 2026 is one of the publishing world’s most anticipated global gatherings, bringing together authors, publishers, agents, and book lovers from across the globe. Known for spotlighting fresh voices, emerging trends, and international storytelling, the fair is where books spark conversations, deals are born, and stories find new life beyond borders—making it a true celebration of the power and reach of the written word.
We’re beyond thrilled to share that this book is officially being showcased at the 2026 London Book Fair, one of the world’s most exciting meeting places for stories, ideas, and publishing dreams. From buzzing aisles to curious readers and industry tastemakers, this is where books step into the global spotlight—and this one is ready to shine.
Having “Ordinary People: Americans Falling in and out of Poverty” by David Wagner displayed by Citi of Books in London feels like a celebration of every page and dream poured into its creation. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a moment of joy, pride, and possibility.
David Wagner is an is an emeritus professor of sociology and social work at the university of Southern Maine. He is the author of twelve books, including the award-winning Checkerboard Square and The New Temperance as well as What’s Love Got to Do With it?, The Poorhouse, and Confronting Homelessness. He now lives in Southern California.
“History is not only written by presidents and generals. It is also lived by ordinary people.” That idea sits at the heart of “Ordinary People: Americans Falling in and out of Poverty” by David Wagner, a thought-provoking work that will be showcased at the 2026 London Book Fair. This compelling book invites readers to step back into post–Civil War America and discover the real stories of individuals whose lives were shaped by hardship, resilience, and hope.
Drawing from records at one of Massachusetts’s largest almshouses in Tewksbury, Wagner uncovers deeply human stories often left out of traditional history books. Through genealogical research and official documents, he pieces together the biographies of immigrants, struggling workers, and families caught in difficult circumstances. Rather than portraying poverty as a fixed identity, the book shows it as a changing reality that people move in and out of throughout their lives.
The narrative unfolds through three engaging themes. The first explores mobility and resilience, revealing how people moved across cities, jobs, and opportunities in search of stability. The second focuses on family crises, including desertion and out-of-wedlock births that dramatically reshaped lives. The final section looks at age and poverty, highlighting the experiences of children and the elderly within institutional care. Each story reminds readers that behind statistics are real people navigating complicated lives.
Readers visiting the London Book Fair will find this title especially meaningful if they enjoy social history, genealogy, or stories that bring overlooked voices to light. “Ordinary People: Americans Falling in and out of Poverty” by David Wagner offers both careful research and heartfelt storytelling, making it an engaging read for anyone curious about how ordinary individuals endured extraordinary challenges. It is a reminder that history’s most powerful lessons often come from the lives of everyday people.
