London: The Illustrated History

Front Cover
Allen Lane, 2008 - History - 352 pages

FROM IRON AGE CEMETERIES TO VIKING RAIDS, THE FIRE OF 1666 TO THE BANK OF ENGLAND, GEORGIAN BROTHELS TO VICTORIAN SEWERS, DICKENS TO THE HEYDAY OF FLEET STREET, THE SUFFRAGETTES TO THE OLYMPICS OF 2012, LONDONOFFERS A UNIQUE PANORAMA OF HISTORY OF THE CITY.

A NEW, VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST EXCITING CITIES.

From 450,000BC and the earliest human remains in the Thames valley to the 2012 Olympics, and following the impacts of invasions, revolts and epidemics, this book shows how, against all the odds, an insignificant river crossing became the British capital.

In fifteen thematic chapters exploring the lives and experiences of Londoners over the last three thousand years, Londonexplores everything form costermongers to the Krays, medieval Jewish ghettos to Georgian brothels, and the building of the Underground to the destruction of the Blitz.

Images, objects and expert text from the Museum of London, together with maps both old and new, shine a fresh light on all aspects of the city's constantly changing story. Pubs and sports grounds, immigrant communities, health and popular religion, shopping, crime and gentrification are examined, along with urban development, planning from Christopher Wren to Patrick Abercrombie, art, politics and major events in London's history. Special 'Survivals' spreads seven show where buildings from London's past can still be seen today.

Contemporary cartoons and paintings, startling artefacts and the museum's own reconstructions of ancient markets, temples and bathhouses, make the daily lives of Londoners and the city's chequered history come alive in this book as never before.

From inside the book

Contents

Preface
7
10
100
Modern Hunters and Gatherers
106
Copyright

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