Customer Reviews

Do Not Pass Go

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is very good in the fact that it covers London through that very old but family classic board game. A good way to learn more about a city, with truckloads of history scattered throughout to keep the reader entertained.

Even though it the book shipped from the UK, it arrived within a week of being ordered and is is better shape that I had expected. . . . . . Thanks !

Although amusingly written I cannot say I found it LOL funny but it is an entertaining and interesting read with plenty of facts thrown in for you to bore anyone who might be unfortunate enough to be in the room with you whilst you're reading it :)

As the synopsis states; armed with a dice, board and his copy of a 1933 London Directory Tim Moore visits each of the places mentioned on the Monopoly board...yes, even the Waterworks and Free Parking!!

Being a 'Leeds lass' the history of John Waddington Ltd who bought "...the Empire and European rights..." in 1935 was also interesting.

As well as discovering what the places on the board were like back in 1935 when they were chosen, as Tim travels the capital we view 'The Reds' etc. through his eyes in the present day (well, 2002). The law connection of 'The Oranges' and the high life of 'The Yellows'..oh and yes...when 'gaol' became 'jail' ~ flippin' yanks! ;-)

Being an Anglophile and a London lover, I picked this book up looking for

an entertaining way to get to know the city better. I did learn alot of new facts such as why certain places have the names they do, and great history of some of the establishments that are or have been on actual UK monopoly board spots. Sometimes I found the writing a little slow going at times, but it would pick back up after after awhile.

As someone else mentioned some of the British references might be a little confusing to those speaking American English or not familiar with British culture.

One of the parts that I was especially interested in was the history of the Lyons Corner Houses. I never knew they existed not having grown up in the UK. I became so interested that I started doing my own research to find out more about this lovely sounding establishments.

I can recommend this book to people who enjoy travelogues, and those who are interested in learning more about British culture.

Unless you are a Monopoly addict or a Londonphile, the only good parts are the trivial knowledge that you pick up as you flip through the pages, e.g. who invented Cluedo, founder of Salvation Army; who is Gordon Selfridge, etc.

A very funny, well written book that covers the historical/architectural/philosophical stories that come from one of the worlds largest cities. Combining humour with acid insight Moore is an excellent narrator on his personal story of travel around London.

Following the old monopoly board this book gives the same treatment to London as Bill Bryson gave to Australia in "Down Under". From Picadilly to Park Lane, from Marylebone station to Mayfair, Moore talks about how London was when Monopoly was first introduced, and how it is now some time later.

This is a great book for travellers and citizens of London alike.

I enjoyed "Continental Drifter" so decided to follow up with this episode. Those who found the British references in that one tough will find this one even more difficult (confusing). Personally, I think having been to London helped me to envision some of the sites; otherwise, I'd have been kinda lost in places, too. Recommended for Anglophiles, AYOR for others.

Oh yeah -- rehashing plots in reviews is a pet peeve of mine, but I'll say here that Mr. Moore makes a point of visiting all of the squares on the [London-based] Monopoly board, including "Jail," "Waterworks," and the "Electric Company."