In the mid-19th century, England became the home of a group of German exiles seeking refuge from political repression in their own country. The group--which included Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Friedrich Althaus, Lessner and Eccarius, and the remarkable Johanna Kinkel and Malwida von Meysenbug--shared a common quest for political freedom. Drawing on a rich store of letters, memoirs, and articles written by the exiles, Ashton charts the fortunes of this diverse group and presents a new perspective on Victorian England through the eyes of foreigners seeking asylum there. Their views of English liberties and restraints, fairness and prejudice, and tolerance and tradition in matters of politics, religion, class, and sexual relations offers an unusual insight into Victorian life.