London: The Biography of a City

by Christopher Hibbert

A social history of London from the Early Middle Ages to the present which also serves as a comprehensive guide to its buildings and treasures

Genres: History, London, Nonfiction, Travel, Cities, British Literature, Biography

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Christopher Hibbert, MC, FRSL, FRGS (5 March 1924 - 21 December 2008) was an English writer, historian and biographer.

He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the author of many books, including Disraeli, Edward VII, George IV, The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici, and Cavaliers and Roundheads.

Described by Professor Sir John Plumb as "a writer of the highest ability and in the New Statesman as "a pearl of biographers," he established himself as a leading popular historian/biographer whose works reflected meticulous scholarship.

Reviews

[Rob Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prolific late history writer and biographer Christopher Hibbert always makes congenial company, and this 'Biography' of London is no exception. Spanning nearly 2,000 years from the city's origins in Roman Britannia through the Edwardian age (plus a brief chapter quickly summarizing the modern period up to 1969) this is a very accessible, breezily written, and entertaining history. Chapters focus alternately on the physical structure and landmarks of the city (helpfully with copious notes on the surviving attractions, including their accessibility to the visitor) and on the social history of each period in London. These latter sections are especially enjoyable, full of first hand accounts and anecdotes, and packed with color and surprising, often amusing, detail. This is an especially good title for anyone like myself who's planning a visit and wants a grounding or refresher in the history, geography, and character of London. I've added several 'musts' to my itinerary thanks to this book: much of this information is timeless, but bear in mind that even the revised editions are now decades old, so be sure to confirm the tourism related details independently online. I was prompted to read this after having enjoyed Hibbert's "Rome: Biography of a City" years ago in anticipation of my first visit to that city -- that, too, is a feast, and likewise copiously illustrated with wonderful and unexpected images.

[Candy Wood]

Although this book (another "The" biography of London, published 1977) was intended for both residents and visitors, it seems more clearly appropriate for the latter. Most of the chapters, well-illustrated in both color and black and white, focus on what visitors see rather than on the everyday lives of Londoners, and the notes point to buildings and other features that could still be seen in the 1960s. The notes do not provide any specific identification of quoted material, and Hibbert seems to go way beyond any documentary sources when he does provide details about people's lives, especially the poor--how does he know what costermongers thought about their clothes, for example, and can a generalization be true of every member of what must have been a large and varied group? The period from 1914-1968 gets exactly two pages of text. For anyone seeking an overview, with pictures, of London before the twentieth century, this would be a good choice.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's too much English and London history to pick a perfect reasonably sized book, but I ended up with this one. Kind of jarring which subjects and eras get details and which get skipped.
I almost abandoned during discussions of which aristocrat built which mansion with which grant from the king, but was rewarded for pushing through. Also annoying how biased it is toward the modern era, but perhaps medieval cities just don't have as much going on.
In the end, my itch was unscratched

[Greta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's no surprise that London started out small and grew very big over thousands of years. Written with plenty of interesting pictures and footnotes to keep the reader's attention. I'm more ready than ever to explore London in person in a few weeks.

[Chris P · Rating 3 out of 5]

"London: The Biography of a City" is a good general overview of London's history from pre-Roman times right up to the 1970s. Unfortunately the book is currently out of print but is available from any decent library.
As a Londoner born and bred, I found that Christopher Hibbert has unearthed some facts that I have never heard before. I particularly like the sections on the origins of London street names.
Intended as a general history for the visitor, it is profusely illustrated with paintings, drawings and prints from the relevant periods being chronicled.It also includes a section of London historical landmarks with useful info, such as hours open to the public, availability of guided tours etc. Some of this info may, however be outdated as the book was first publisher over 30 years ago! Despite this I would recommend it highly to anyone who, to paraphrase Sam Johnson, is "not yet tired of life!"

[Maddie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second Christopher Hibbert London book I read. I really enjoyed his writing & the pictures in this book. It was a nice blend! And I miss London 😖

[Adam Stevenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Necessarily a broad look at London’s history then a deep one. It is principally a survey of the physical city then anything else. It charted the spread of the city, the waves of gentrifications and squalor and talked a lot about architects.

It’s hard to get away from the fact that this book, written in 1977, is very out of date. Great swathes of the information in it are incorrect or apocryphal.

Add to that, the history of London from the first world war to the late 60s was done in 2 pages, it would seem that 20th century history excites Hibbert as much as it does me.

That said, he is a very entertaining and enjoyable author to read and he knows how to pick an anecdote, and spin a yarn.

[Lady of the Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know Londons history there is not much here to say ooh wow... But if you are not familiar (and even if u are) with it this is a lovely book. Nicely laid out, nicely written. No need to read all in a sitting, I spread it out between other reads... Many beautiful color pictures as well as b/w to look at. I really enjoyed London the Biography of a City.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting views of the various different cities within London: London the city of churches, London the city of actors, butchers, merchants, etc.

Not a straight history, but each chapter focuses on a different aspect: noise or silence, etc.

Read roughly half of it in preparation for a trip to London Summer 2014

[Christina Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read, though the history ends in 1968! Really enjoyed this one, as well as his biography of Rome.

[Cynthia]

I don't question this is most likely a very good book but it wasn't my cup of tea. I think the reader needs to know more about the specifics of London than I do.