In London: The Autobiography the life of the capital is told, for the first time, by those who made it and saw it at first hand. From Roman times to the 21st century, Londoners and visitors to the city have recounted the extraordinary events, everyday life and character of this unique and influential city – from politics, culture, sport, religion, and reportage. This book brings to vivid life the human trial of the capital including invasions by the Vikings, the brutal execution of Sir Thomas More, the sight of a whale swimming up the Thames and the rebuilding of St Paul’s by Sir Christopher Wren, as well as the everyday life of the city. Includes contributions from George Orwell, Martin Amis, Dr Johnson, Karl Marx, Winston Churchill, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Virginia Woolfe, George Melly, Tacitus, Samuel Pepys and many others. Packed with personality and character, this book is a must-buy for anyone interested in London as well as a wonderful story of the city at the heart of the nation. Praise for Jon E Lewis: ‘A triumph’ Saul David, author of Victoria’s Army ‘Harrowing, funny and often unbelievable book.’ Daily Express [A] compelling tommy’s eye view of war from Agincourt to Iraq’ Daily Telegraph
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It s all here in spades. --Ham & High
Book Description
London: The Autobiography tells the story of the world’s greatest city through the people who were there. From Boudicca’s savage raid on Roman London in 60AD to the bombing of 7/7, London speaks for itself.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Poppy1
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I ordered this autobiography of London because it was our Book Club choice. The size of it was daunting! However, it turned out to be a very interesting compilation of articles and observations on people and events through the ages - literally from AD60 to the present day - written by the people who lived through those times. I would definitely recomment it to anyone with an interest in, or love of, London.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Hayles
Format:Hardcover
If only all history books could be written like this then I am sure children across the country would be more interested in the past. This is the story of the country's capital, told by the people who were there. Some of the events described were earth-shattering, others less important on a global scale but of great importance to the people who were there and to the shaping of the city. A great book to dip into or to read from cover to cover.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars
4 reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Useful and Interesting
21 July 2011
By Eileen Granfors
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The book, "London: The Autobiography," is not a book to sit down and read cover to cover (or not for most people, probably.) It is however a fabulous resource for historical fiction writers, degree candidates, and tourists.
It is organized by time period. Within each time period, selected letters, newspaper articles, and maps give the essence of the period to the reader in a first-hand account of everything from Roman graffiti to a "Hanging at Tyburn" (by Samuel Richardson).
This 500+ page book is a treasure trove of historical details and authentic voices. Terrific resource, but again, not something with a plot and characters to follow from event to event like "Slammerkin" or "Kill-Grief."
It is organized by time period. Within each time period, selected letters, newspaper articles, and maps give the essence of the period to the reader in a first-hand account of everything from Roman graffiti to a "Hanging at Tyburn" (by Samuel Richardson).
This 500+ page book is a treasure trove of historical details and authentic voices. Terrific resource, but again, not something with a plot and characters to follow from event to event like "Slammerkin" or "Kill-Grief."
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
"No Sir, if you are tired of London, you are tired of life."
9 Feb 2013
By L. Chung
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Yes, I admit, I am an Anglophile, so I do not expect that my review will be unbiased. I especially adore the quote from Samuel Jackson printed on the cover of the book.
I was not quite sure of the format or the content of this book because of the reference to "Autobiography" in the title. How does one write an autobiography of a city? By scanning through the book upon its arrival, I learned that it is a compilation of various authors' writing about London from different eras -- from the Roman era to the present. Of course, the minute I opened the book, I went straight to the page with Jane Austen's piece.
Looking forward to further reading this book (including the pre-Austen and post-Austen era writings) before my next trip to London, which as the author contends, is arguably the most important city in the world.
I was not quite sure of the format or the content of this book because of the reference to "Autobiography" in the title. How does one write an autobiography of a city? By scanning through the book upon its arrival, I learned that it is a compilation of various authors' writing about London from different eras -- from the Roman era to the present. Of course, the minute I opened the book, I went straight to the page with Jane Austen's piece.
Looking forward to further reading this book (including the pre-Austen and post-Austen era writings) before my next trip to London, which as the author contends, is arguably the most important city in the world.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too much information.
4 Mar 2013
By h merola
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book reads like an encyclopedia. The author certainly knows his history. Not much on the leading figures of each age. Not much life to the dry facts, but as others have written , it is comprehensive.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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