- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Sceptre; New Ed edition (1 Feb 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0340739673
- ISBN-13: 978-0340739679
- Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 382,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Just the sort of book that gives history a good name, 1700: Scenes from London Life presents almost a glut of the kind of daily life (and death) detail which proves utterly engaging, striking chords of familiarity or describing almost unimaginable worlds. We discover where people lived and worked, how they behaved, what they wore and ate and how horrifically they suffered from illness and injury. A booming London appears modern in its commercialisation and overt materialism. It was "the most magnificent city in Europe" yet "the streets were open sewers" and life there was so precarious that it might be described as "a mere prelude to death". In 1700 the late 17th/early 18th-century world is brought vividly to life by imaginative vignettes drawn from the author's research and by excerpts from contemporary diarists, novelists and commentators, whose works are listed in the extensive bibliography. A relatively long book, it can be dipped into, as the chapters are thematically organised. In fact, open the book at any page and the intriguing detail will leap out and grab you. Creatively written, the text is so colourful that the slightly disappointing illustrations are not much of a drawback. This is a truly enticing read, exploring a period of significant development in London and clearly indicating the importance of this point in England's history. --Karen Tiley.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"A traditional, well-documented social history, pungent, entertaining and informative" -- Sunday Times "Impressive learning, lightly worn, gives Waller's portrait a wonderfully vivid feel" -- The Scotsman "fascinating new book... one realises, when reading this book, that one is reading nothing less than an account of the birth pangs of the modern age" -- New Statesman
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I enjoyed this book immensely. It describes what life was like in London in 1700 in a very entertaining, but informative way, which makes easy reading. Each chapter of the book is about a different subject, for example, health, childbirth, entertainment, etc., which makes it easy to pick up and put down, or read on the train. I was fascinated with the remedys for various ailments and the way we used to eat, dress and entertain ourselves. The book also illustrates how things don't change much over time, like poor people begging on the streets. A good overall social history, my only grumble being that I wish it was a bit longer so that the author could go more in depth on some of the subjects.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
What a book! Extremely informative and brilliantly written. I could not put it down.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An excellent read, more like a novel than a textbook. Gripping and in parts alarming - I defy any woman to read the section on childbirth without wincing! Full of interesting snippets that you can repeat to your friends and look educated. Although it's described as a book about London it's really about people everywhere, and has interest even if you've never been near London yourself.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fantastic
Fantastically written and divided into sensible chapter this book paints the perfect picture of London in the 1700s. Read more
Published on 21 July 2007 by Ibrahim Ali
Vivid history augmented with a lively imagination
This was rather ingeneous. Normally, history works vertically: we begin at William the Bastard Conqueror, or possibly Alfred the Great, and work towards now. Read more
Published on 9 Jan 2007 by S. Bailey
An invaluable resource.
This is a book of rare quality, well-researched, informative, entertaining and highly readable. Whether your pleasure is interesting tid-bits to share or to gain a real insight... Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2006 by R V Raiment
vivid, fascinating, educational and highly entertaining
From the moment I picked up this book, which was bought on a whim, I have kept returning to it to read more, and even reread some sections. Read more
Published on 24 Nov 2002 by Carpii
Endlessly fascinating, history brought to life.
es From the first moment I picked up "1700: Scenes from London Life" I knew I had stumbled onto something special. "I've found a time-machine!" I exclaimed. Read more
Published on 20 Mar 2001
An absolute delight to read
Being interested in the history of London, especially being a tour guide, this book appealed to me in the first instance just by it's title. Read more
Published on 26 May 2000 by stanmarut@barclays.net
A BOOK TO SAVOR SLOWLY!
I HAVE JUST RECEIVED THIS BOOK 2 DAYS AGO AND I AM HARD PRESSED NOT TO JUST READ IT RIGHT THROUGH. IT IS FULL OF INTERESTING FACTS WRITTEN AS YOU WERE ACTUALLY THERE TO SEE,SMELL... Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2000 by mburkemb@hotmail.com
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