The Tube: Station to Station on the London Underground

by Oliver Green

From Norman Foster’s remarkable station at Canary Wharf to the Yellow-brick vaults of Baker street to the Art Deco exuberance of Arnos Grove, London’s tube stations are among its most distinctive and iconic buildings.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, London Underground, Transport, London

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Norman Bar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just my cup of tea I thought. All the stations I thought. After all, the London Underground goes well out of London. Then I searched the index for Hanger Lane - missing. West Acton - missing. North Acton - ditto. Chancery Lane- nope. Chalk Farm - Hooray! Marble Arch - no. Debden …. NO - probably too new I thought …. but Wikipedia says it was originally opened in 1865 …. 1…8…6…5…. and, after some tribulations, was transferred to London Underground some time between 1935-1940 (Wikipedia again) … so not exactly new, not new new. But not in the index. And many more … just …. missing. Over 120, assuming 272 stations in all is accurate.
Maybe some, maybe all (?), are mentioned somewhere in the text, but then why not in the index? The book is certainly not “station to station on the London Underground”. And, by the way, Chancery Lane and St Paul’s not in index) are hardly way-out, suburban, not to mention some which are in the index and in no way part of inner or even suburban London.

The concept of the book is a delight. Pleasantly written, by one I take to be an expert (impressive antecedents). So, fair enough, 3 stars. The final execution, sadly, is a disappointment ….. so, only 3 stars.

Now, an expanded version …… that WOULD be my cuppa.

[Adam Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compact history of the London underground plus a guide to seven suggested journeys on the Tube. The book is nicely produced but the history is necessarily brief given the format. The journeys are imaginatively done and provide points of interest to be seen in the architecture of the various stations and other features along each suggested route. I suspect most of the passengers actually using these routes frequently have rarely, if ever noticed any of the highlighted points of interest. This book is a good reference and a torch for revealing the interest in the quotidian and for pointing out, in things that are skimmed over every day in thousands of Tube journeys, their significance and history. It also reminds us of the unique and amazing fact of London Underground's existence and its place in the life and character of the capital.

[John Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part is a reasonable canter through the history of the London Underground. The second half feels like a third of another book: a proper guide to the architecture of the Underground stations. It picks out some features that mean you will look harder at every Tube station you pass through, but I sort of wanted more: but realistically in a much lager (for better image presentation) and longer (so that comparisons could be made along the routes chosen). But in a small-sized and short book, quite a good job.

[Obione_TdG · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of London transport and London Underground is always fascinating. But this is just a short summary, it just scratches the surface, and the iconography is too scarce. Just good as a short intro.

[Pinko Palest · Rating 2 out of 5]

very concise, a bit too touristy for my liking. There's much better stuff around

[Víctor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I was expecting more of this book as an all things London fan. It was probably too focus on data and less in story telling, yet I now have a much better understanding of The Tube and will definitely be looking forward to exploring it's stations with the routes proposed.

[erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love london & have always found the tube fascinating and wonderfully confusing!!! more than a 'coffee table book'. lots of history, lore and old photos! and a little 'see the stations' tour at the end!!

[Sitatunga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun. Delectable little book, clear text, layout, good illustrations - just right.

[Mike Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://0651frombrighton.blogspot.co.u...

[Barbara Harman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in an electronic version and I think I missed the full story because the photos don't show well.

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice try. Not very interesting, although the subject is. Not very well written.