London: A History (Modern Library Chronicles) (ISBN 0812975561)

Maps, Please:
Maps. If you're going to do a book on the historical development of London (or any other major city), you must include a few maps so readers not intimately familiar with all of its environs will know what's where and how it developed. Though I've spent a fair amount of time in London, I found myself having to consult maps and other references to give the book the right context. I wound up with a Dorling Kindersley guide my wife bought by my side, which provided pictures, diagrams and other information. It proved to be a perfect complement. I sympathize with the enormity of the task, summarizing the history of a great metropolis in these few pages. However, this volume seems thinner than others in the Modern Library Chronicles series.

Disgruntled Londonite Wilson:
This book was in no way a brief history of London. In condensing the entire history of London into one 200-page book, Wilson should have left out most of the minute details that made the book even more confusing. This book is definitely not made for Americans to read, since Wilson's pleasure in life seems to be criticizing the booming tourism in London. It projects a picture of London that is neither fanciful nor accurate. He gives the entire city an image filled with poverty and filth.

history through architecture?:
I enjoyed reading most of this book but found myself skimming quite a few paragraphs. The author obviously has a soft spot for architecture but just leaned too heavily on this aspect of London. Perhaps in a book with photos it would have gone over better. The sections that told of London thru stories and events were really very well done and easily held my attention without being conscious of it. I just had to force myself thru the many parts that delved on one building or another. If I were in London I'd certainly take it along as a guidebook but just turning the page from home it doesn't work as well. Interesting? Yes. Knowledgeable? Yes. Just, perhaps, a bit dry.

London: NOT a history:
This book only allocates a scant 4 pages to "Roman London". The more morden eras get slightly better coverage, but it's all minimalist. The average reader will learn more about London, and it's history be reading a well researched travel guide. Really. I'm very dissapointed in this purchase and would give is zero stars if I could.

Brief, Interesting and Beautifully Written:
It is difficult to imagine a better introduction to a complex and wonderful city.