- Paperback: 1328 pages
- Publisher: Arrow; New edition edition (7 May 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0099201917
- ISBN-13: 978-0099201915
- Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 11 x 6.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 197,968 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
London
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More About the Author
Product Description
Book Description
A wonderful, epic story that tells the history of the greatest city in the world, from Roman times to the present day.
Product Description
London has perhaps the most remarkable history of any city in the world. Now its story has a unique voice. In this epic novel Edward Rutherfurd takes the reader on a magnificent journey across sixteen centuries from the days of the Romans to the Victorian engineers of Tower Bridge and the era dockland development of today. Through the lives and adventures of his colourful cast of characters he brings all the richness of London's past unforgettably to life. (20030923)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As I began a new job in the city, I purchased this book to read as I commuted. Over a thousand pages was a little daunting. However, I have been enthralled, excited and intrigued as Rutherfurd propelled me through a city which I now see with new eyes. From the quiet idyllic life before the Romans to the blasting of the city in the Blitz. One moment excited, the next sad. The injustice of some of the events. Right prevails - but not in every case. As the book developed, I felt part of what was happening. The grief, joy and intrigue - each character and family developing over the centuries as the city grows and develops also. This is the magic of fiction woven through the historical fact of the great city of London. It is the first book I have read by this author, I can't wait to begin another.
74 of 78 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was the first Edward Rutherfurd book I read and I was initially apprehensive at the vast number of pages it contain - over 1300 in fact! The book describes itself as a fictional biopic of London and that's exactly what it is, but the way in which it's done is quite superb, far better than I'd expected, and very much the formula used by Rutherfurd for his other books of different places.
At the front of the book, a family tree is shown detailing generations paths of five or six families over the path of the two thousand years covered by the book and the way in which they are related at various times (this in itself made me wonder what sort of book this would be as it looked as if the book would be remarkably difficult to follow).
The book is structured as a number of relatively short stories at a specific period of time, such as when the Tower of London is built, the Fire of London, The Globe theatre and Shakespeare, The Blitz and many others. In each of these chapters you are introduced to a new set of characters who invariably inherit some of their ancestor's attributes, such as a white streak of hair or webbed hands. You also see the rivalries and hatred shared by these families, covering all classes in the English system at the time of each chapter.
The book is superbly researched and incredibly well written, and I found that I'd actually got through the book far quicker than I'd expected without at any time feeling I was reading something equivalent to War and Peace. This is a definite recommendation from me, particularly if you're interested in the history of London and keen to read about it in a relatively easy manner.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you have a short attention span then this may not be for you. Rutherford's style is distinct but in a story made ou of so many stories rarely does it feel as if he is repeating himself. This is not serious history, this is very well written historical fiction. It is probably the easiest and most enjoyable way to learn about London's glorious and inglorious history. From little details like how streets and areas got their names to piesces of historical fact that were nearly forgotten. A very enjoyable read that should keep you going for some time.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
best read for a long time
when you read this book you will not be able to put it down a good story and a history lesson a well enjoy
Published 1 month ago by beverley
Interesting, a good read, but contrived
I enjoyed this book but became less enamoured as I got towards the end. By the time the Victorian era is reached the book is already lengthy and the remainder of the novel is... Read more
Published 3 months ago by K. Cowling
London
Sevice from the supplier was first class. The book itself (LONDON) was very good, but I found it rather 'hard going' at times with so many similar characters. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Rod
Rutherfurd at his best
A very detailed history of London from pre-Roman times to the present day in an easy to read 'Novel' style. Follow families, and events though the generations. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ransley
The greatness of history without the tediousness of history books.
This book gives you the greatness of history without the tediousness of history books. A must-read for everyone interested in the history of London and, for that matter, England.
Published 7 months ago by Mark Charles
The most interesting and un-put-down-able book I've ever read.
This book is a fantastic journey through London's history and brilliantly connects the key events through a family tree, showing how London and the people of London have changed... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Anna
Excellent service.
Excellent service and value, promptly sent. Book in very good condition. We look forward to receiving another book by the same author.
Published 8 months ago by norwil
In my top five of all time!
This is easily in my top five best reads of my lifetime (so far!) :-)
An absolutely fabulous book teeming with historical fact intertwined with Rutherfurd's colourful,... Read more
An absolutely fabulous book teeming with historical fact intertwined with Rutherfurd's colourful,... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Annie
London
If I were ever asked what book I would take to a Desert Island I would have no hesitation in saying "London" - the characters and richly woven pattern of life evolving from when... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mrs. L. Sloan
Disappointing
Having read and loved his New York novel I bought this with mounting anticipation, and was disappointed. Read more
Published 9 months ago by FionaM
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