Beneath the City Streets: A Private Enquiry into the Nuclear Preoccuptations of Government

by Peter Laurie

. 1970, with sheflwear & small tear to dustjacket, feint toning to endpapers, no markings, contents clean, Professional booksellers since 1981

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics

1000 pages, Hardcover

First published January 30, 1970

Reviews

[Steve Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written perhaps a little more "warmly" that the more substantial Campbell's War Plan:UK the information given in Beneath the City Streets is a little dated now, particularly in terms of communications infrastructure.

Nevertheless it answered a small number of the many questions I have about the secrets of the Cold War years that I was too afraid to ask at the time.

Paradoxically optimistic at times.

[Mogg Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

From more paranoid days perhaps - many are now reused for something else - still quite something. In the 1970s UK everyone thought socialist revolution/insurrection was a real possibility. Hence the idea that the secret state was preparing for the worst - of which there was some evidence. The undoubted, widespread desire for change was eventually channeled into the right wing Thatcher government. The domination was v cathartic for some : )

[Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely showing its age a bit, but meticulously researched and very fascinating example of what open-source analysis can produce. Also, concludes with a fairly chilling and prescient prediction of a post-automation economics and widespread disillusionment.

[Alan Fricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A time capsule of a book from times when nuclear war felt more immediately likely. Fascinating for londoners interested in what is hidden around the place

[Adam Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes very interesting but mostly very boring

[Ipswichblade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok book about secret tunnels,sites etc to be used in the event of a nuclear war