Recs if you like Rats: Observations on the History & Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants...

microhistory: the intensive historical investigation of a well defined smaller unit of research (such as an event, community, individual or a settlement); it aspires to "ask large questions in small places"

title mentions rats? the book goes into this list.

when the cover is absolutely doing its job correctly

(gorgeous, funny, and uniquely fitting covers, all in one)

No sweeping ambitions here. We are taking a long, thorough look at one thing. (More or less.) Very open to suggestion!