Works by a controversial Victorian writer whose novels brought the East End to life are being explored in a conference this weekend.

Poplar-born Arthur Morrison’s controversial writing helped highlight the reality of life in 19th century London.

His detective stories were set across east London, including in the slums of Shoreditch.

Now, an academic conference is being planned at Queen Mary, University of London, to discuss his works more than 100 years on.

Dr Nadia Valman, from the university’s English department, said: “Morrison caused a lot of controversy because critics thought his representation of brutality and violence in the East End was a caricature and sensationalist.”

The conference is being held on Saturday, November 2. For more information, visit: http://www.sed.qmul.ac.uk/morrison.html.