London Sketchbook: A City Observed (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Marcus Binney (Author) "London's proudest boast long lain in the words of Doctor Johnson that "when a man is tired of London he is tired of life"..." (more)
Key Phrases: terrace houses, Hampstead Heath, Sir Christopher Wren, Buckingham Palace (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"London may have lost its position as the world's most populous city," writes Binney, "but today it can lay a new claim, to be as diverse and cosmopolitan as any city on earth, perhaps more so." So begins this pretty book of watercolors that will enchant Anglophiles and initiate those unfamiliar with the city's charms. Along with renditions of the major buildings, Byfield (Singapore Sketchbook) recreates less famous structures-power stations, pubs, warehouses and even escalators in underground stations-to give a sense of London's varied faces. Detailed depictions of elements such as doorways, signs, tile work and rooflines shed light on many subtler design influences in the city's architecture. Binney, who founded the organization Save Britain's Heritage, provides a pithy overview of the entire city and of its various neighborhoods; additionally, his notes, penciled alongside each illustration, offer specific information on the structure or element. The volume is large and elegant, and the carefully chosen views and detailed notes give it the feel of a collected set of painted postcards.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

At once ancient and modern, Britain's cosmopolitan capital has no formal center; each of its areas boasts its own style and atmosphere. Central London's royal palaces and grand hotels vie for the onlooker's attention with its majestic parliament building. The financial district--the City--has witnessed a flowering of daring and innovative modern architecture, which now mingles with the somber Tower of London and the greatest works of Sir Christopher Wren. The village atmosphere of Hampstead and Islington contrast with the 19th-century residential areas and museum districts of London's west.

Watercolor painter Graham Byfeld set out to capture the essence of the city.His impressions are captured vividly in the London Sketchbook, and accompanied by writer Marcus Binney's engaging prose exploration of London's history, people, and architecture.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312308213
• ISBN-13: 978-0312308216
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #525,777 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Small View of London at Large, October 22, 2002

By	A Bookaholic "a1chick" (Clinton, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This is a beautiful work of art for anyone who loves to look outside the well known sites of London, although that is there as well. I thorougly enjoy picking it up and having a read about the various sections and looking at the illustrations that will remind you of your time there or desire to go. The layout and illustrations brings to mind what a Grand Tour participant would have created upon visiting a new city.

Wonderful, just wonderful.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great quality, December 14, 2006

By	Brandon Banks (atlanta ga) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

the quality of the book is one of the best features to me. It is a very heavy paper stock and really helps carry the sketchbook feel, along with the little hand written notes on the sides. overall a great book for anyone who loves london.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captures the essence of London, June 16, 2007

By	z hayes (plano,texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

Graham Byfield's watercolor impressions of the city of London beautifully captures the spirit of the city, be it Central London, the East End, West London, North London, or South of the River. The watercolors are sumptuous to look at [the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St James' Palace, Berkeley Square] - each is a work of beauty and paints a vivid picture in one's mind. The notes accompanying the watercolors provide us with more information on the buildings and make for interesting reading. All in all, a wonderful collection of watercolors about London, and a must-have for collectors.