The London Underground

by Andrew Emmerson

The London Underground is the heart of London life, used by millions of commuters and shoppers every year, its tentacles extending into the suburbs it has helped to create. Its turbulent life has been determined by the trials and tribulations endured by the people it carries: it provided an network of life-saving shelter in the Blitz, but has also been the scene of numerous tragedies. The London Underground will transport you vividly back to the past: well over half the illustrations are in color, and most of the photographs have not seen the light of day since they were taken.

Genres: London, History, Nonfiction

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2010

Reviews

[Julie Bozza · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always with Shire books, a good condensed introduction to an interesting topic. I must supplement this by finally visiting the London Transport Museum!

[Herc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wot a GORGEOUS little book! All of the incredible-and-historical images within its slim pages tempted me to include it on my Graphic Novels G.R.-Shelf!

This is one of two Shire Library booklet-like reads my husband and I purchased before moving away from east Anglia, in Autumn 2017. Recalling the day we did so (at one of our FAVOURITE British [and local!] bookstores) was a treat...as was reading this work by Andrew Emmerson; chocked-full of information about the past/present/future of London's transportation network. Being away from it for a few years gave this first-read an extra special dollop of nostalgia-mixed-wonder, making me super thankful we purchased it when we did at Topping & Co of Ely, Cambridgeshire.

I am not the biggest gearhead, automotive historian, or anything of the like. Yet Emmerson organized this transportation-based collection in such an enjoyable fashion, I'd bet a tenner that anyone with deep interest in London/its myriad of transportation options/the Tube itself/etc would appreciate Emmerson's effort(s). Let alone how quick of a read it is: just-at 70 pages, and filled with loads of photos/posters/historical illustrations!

I loved learning-as-I-read as much as remembering-as-I-read, cos of how much I miss living in England/the UK. As a matter of perspective, I had always wondered HOW the Tube's outer-most stations came to be, as my husband and I utilized those on the Central Line (they were the closest to where we lived outside of London). And the chapter "Underground to Everywhere" taught me that these outer boroughs came into creation majorly due to the Underground's scheme to gain consistent use (and profits) by the public! Additionally, my font/advertising-nerd-self entirely admired the same chapter's coverage on these topics, stating (pages 31-32) "The Underground and London Transport became one of the first organisations in Britain to develop an all-embracing corporate identity and a consistent brand image across all its operations which was recognised by London's public at large." God bless Frank Pick (1878-1941), his executive-decision-making, and the creative work he hired by Edward Johnston (calligrapher responsible for the Johnston Sans alphabet and the "refined bullseye" logo, both still in use today)...these gentlemen and their Underground contributions surely won't be forgotten any time soon!

Finally, the delicious end to this sweet lil' read is thanks to the "Places to Visit" noted on its final pages. I most definitely plan to explore Emmerson's list of "Architectural Gems," "Time [Warp] Locations," and even the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden (something that always teased me whenever I passed it by on other London-based adventures) if/when I return to Blighty. To Andrew Emmerson/this list of his/his book, I say "THANK YOU!," with all my Anglophile heart!

[Barbara Nourse]

Historical Fiction story set in a London neighborhood during the German blitz during the beginning of WWII. The story focuses on three young women who work to help the people in their neighborhood. When the air raids begin people shelter underground in the subway station where they settle in to stay safe. Juliet the new deputy librarian at the local library begins to create an underground library for the people coming down. Katie is grateful to be helping in the library until she heads to the university. Her beau dies in the war and Katie now has a secret she has to hide. Sofie, a Jewish refugee comes on a service visa and is assigned to work for a man who is mean and demanding earning only a small amount of money for her work. All 3 meet in the underground and not only have a thriving library but school for kids, a medical clinic and other services in the neighborhood. A bomb destroys the library, but they continue to find books to loan out, have readers share stories and even create musical and drama performances. They all struggle to be safe, nourished by reading and medical care. Not easy but determined people make it work.
The Underground Library is based on a true story.

[Aileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the lovely Shire series, this is full of interesting facts about the development and expansion of the tube. Lots of things I didn't know, like treasures (including the Elgin Marbles) from the British Museum were stored down there during WW2 and that there are several miles of tunnels that have never ever been used and are mostly used these days for storage. A lot packed into its 64 pages.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last Saturday I picked up this one at The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden: they had run out of museum guides and it looked like a good substitute. I have enjoyed it very much. It enhanced the visit for me, and put things in order, as I am not always good at looking around museums in the way one is supposed to. It has lovely vintage photos and posters. Just my sort of thing.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, short overview of the history of the London Underground, organized chronologically, with chapters covering the origins of the system through to the present and into the future. Well written, with a touch of dry British humor peeking through every so often, and accompanied by great pictures and illustrations.