Among the publications on Jamaica at the turn of the twentieth century, there has rarely, if ever, been a focus on the condition of some of the island's poorest citizens.  "Squalid Kingston," 1890-1920: How the Poor Lived, Moved and Had their Being reveals the extremely poor state of housing that affected the quality of life for so many and the desperation that stalked numerous persons whose next meals were unsure.  However the volume also indicates that in the midst of myriad cases of chronic illness and destitution, there were attempts among those who had little to assist those in even more wretched situations.  The poor relief system and the charity work of variety organizations and churches are also examined as were some of the customs accompanying daily life in the city.  This work