In its two thousand years of history, London has ruled a rainy island and a globe-spanning empire, it has endured plague and fire and bombing, it h...
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reviews
May 09, 2008
Alina
rated it: 
Despite its title, this book is far from being a systematic historical account; instead, it peoples London with ghosts of "old, unhappy, far-off things/ And battles long ago".
The style is very clear but scholarly; the book is obviously written by one who knows and loves London and its history and communicates that love to the reader.
On the other hand, Wilson's attempts to reconcile the history of London with its modern self sound as strained as they are well-intentio More...
The style is very clear but scholarly; the book is obviously written by one who knows and loves London and its history and communicates that love to the reader.
On the other hand, Wilson's attempts to reconcile the history of London with its modern self sound as strained as they are well-intentio More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Joanna
rated it: 
This was disappointing. I expected to get the story of London; its beginnings, its growth, its major events and its culture. What I got was a lot of nonsense about obscure characters and architecture that are only interesting to the author. He assumes far too much prior knowledge with his name-dropping of people and events, he skips over entire centuries, and he expresses his ideas poorly. The nice thing about it is, it's very short and the chapters are manageable. That's about the only nice thi
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Aug 24, 2009
Susan
rated it:
A fun read, but a book that could only have been written by a major writer with an established reputation. It's good primarily because of the witty, elegant writing and the ability to pick out details from history that will stand for a whole era.
Unfortunately, Wilson descends into rant at what he considers the horrible architecture and governance of London since WWII. I agree with him on the architecture but by the end of this short book I felt I was reading an entirely different bo More...
Unfortunately, Wilson descends into rant at what he considers the horrible architecture and governance of London since WWII. I agree with him on the architecture but by the end of this short book I felt I was reading an entirely different bo More...
Mar 09, 2009
Jennifer
rated it: 
This is not really a history of London as the title would suggest. It is really an extended editorial by an author who loves 18th century architecture and the Cabinet War Rooms, and hates "Red" Ken Livingstone (former mayor) and the Tate Modern museum. If you've never been to London, this book will not be of much help in learning about the city unless you read it in conjunction with Google Earth or a copy of London A-Z. If you're familiar with British history, you will be bored, bec
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Dec 02, 2008
Margaret
rated it:
Perhaps this should have been called: "London: A Collection of Historical Anecdotes and Occasional Authorly Rants". I did enjoy it, mostly, as I generally find Wilson entertaining and interesting, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an actual history of London. And I definitely wouldn't recommend the last chapter, in which Wilson vents his spleen against London's mayor from 2000-2008, Ken Livingstone, producing a rant which I simply found annoying to read (and not a good
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Sep 08, 2010
Alison
rated it:
Exactly as the title suggests, this is a short history of London. I really wanted to love this book (is there anything more fascinating and romantic in history than imagining the back alleys of London over the last 1500 years?). However, the author has the most pompous tone and biases that I don’t always agree with which greatly interferes with any sustained enjoyment of this book.
Jan 08, 2012
Claire
rated it:
A quick and easy read, but very rambly and definitely not as advertized. I was put off by the very anti-immigrant tone of the introduction, which is even weirder when the chapter that deals with modern immigration to London is much more open-minded.
Aug 02, 2010
Pam
rated it:
Well written discussion on the architecture, growth and history of London. His affection and appreciation of the historical buildings is very evident as is the fact that he deplores the changes modern architecture and business have affected the city.
Mar 21, 2009
Michael
rated it:
Lousy book. I wanted to know more about the orignals of London and the London during the timetime of Chaucer and Shakespeare. Not much was said. In fact, almost everything was glossed over. It wasn't worth reading.
Sep 30, 2009
Alexandra
rated it:
Weird undertone of anti-immigration feelings bordering on racism. Didn't even want to finish.
Jan 08, 2012
An anthology about 'The Smoke', London. Edited by A.N. Wilson, it is by self admission an 'eccentric' anthology. The first section, 'The face on the Waterloo Steps',is taken from a novel;the section's theme is desolation of one sort or another.
Overall, it is a fascinating collection of memories, variety (Dickens to Joe Orton) of viewpoints, and characters who have passed through The Smoke.
A decent book to read in sections: keep it on your nightstand.
Overall, it is a fascinating collection of memories, variety (Dickens to Joe Orton) of viewpoints, and characters who have passed through The Smoke.
A decent book to read in sections: keep it on your nightstand.
Mar 12, 2008
John
rated it:
Wilson provides an interesting overview of both obscure and well-known facts about a fascinating city. However, be warned: he assumes that the reader has a substantial background in English history. If you're expecting a more routine history of London, I'd recommend another book, such as The Traveller's History of London.
Jan 29, 2012
Sara
rated it: 
Fascinating. Satisfied some of my desire to learn more about the city I work in. Now I want to learn more though. Great account - liked how he focused on people and movements and trends..and also buildings,etc.
A few too many diversions and old quotes though...
A few too many diversions and old quotes though...
Dec 17, 2009
Kay
rated it:
Succinct account of London's social, political, architectural, and cultural history, with particular emphasis on major players such as Christopher Wren. Unfortunately, the book is marred by Wilson's political rants.
Jul 03, 2008
Lisa
rated it:
London. My city. I hope all those people are taking good care of it for me 'til I can go back.
Feb 12, 2012
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