I've only had this well-presented volume long enough to read about half of it, never mind play-testing. Aeons ago I bought the original version, a thin soft-covered edition. My, how it's grown!
So, I can't really comment on game play, but I swear it's a fascinating read! Insights into Victorian (and Edwardian) England went beyond what I thought I knew, and it's a superb resource. Granted, it might not be quotable in an academic paper, but it would sure point the reader to checkable facts, and, I am equally sure, be vindicated by them. Honestly, it's a great read. And it's a gaming aid as well - bonus!