Traveller's Companion to London [Paperback]

Peter Ackroyd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 29, 2004

London has witnessed everything from pilgrimages, celebrations, acts of heroism and moments of religious contemplation to riots, executions, grisly murders and disastrous fires. It is a history of work and capital, of power and exuberance, and of great creativity from a rich host of artists and writers, Shakespeare and Dickens among them, but also of violent crime, exploitation, loneliness and extreme hardship; life in the poverty ridden East of the city could not be more different than life in its opulent West End. Drawing upon extracts from contemporary letters, diaries and memoirs of fascinating inhabitants and visitors, this anthology by acclaimed London historian Peter Ackroyd and Thomas Wright tells the story of the city from its earliest years up to the present day. Here you will find Evelyn's famous account of the Great Fire in 1666, Dickens' brilliant evocation of the Gordon Riots of 1780, Boswell's description of the compilation of Dr Johnson's Dictionary, and Churchill's recollections of the Blitz. Modern visitors and armchair readers alike are given a ringside view to the past and an unforgettable experience of the essential spirit of London.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"London...if you want to know it better...Ackroyd is your indispensable companion." --The Observer --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Robinson Publishing (May 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841197890
• ISBN-13: 978-1841197890
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,926,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars London as you have never seen it, November 4, 2008

By 

westendlad (london) - See all my reviews

This review is from: London (Hardcover)

This must be the finest collection of London images that you have ever seen. A wonderful pictorial essay from the finest public buildings and monuments to back street cafes and green spaces. Quite breathtaking.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Binding falling apart, January 2, 2011

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ER Doc (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: London (Hardcover)

Richard Bryant is an incredible photographer and we loved his work on display at Somerset House in London so much that we bought the entire book. It's a great collection, but the binding has completely fallen apart with minimal use.

Overall, very satisfied with the prints but completely unsatisfied with the actual book. We've contacted the publisher and heard nothing.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not What I thought, April 5, 2011

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Truth2011 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: London (Hardcover)

London is quite possibly one of the most fascinating places on earth, at least for me. This is why I'm torn about what I am about to write. While I have never been able to find a book that encapsulates Britain's scenery until now, I am most disappointed by the book's size. It's miniscule! These pictures need to be enjoyed in a HUGE coffee book format. Don't buy this book unless you need a doorstopper.

Alas, it is my fault for not checking the dimensions.