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The City on the Thames: The Creation of a World Capital: A History of London
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About This Book
By the former editor of the London Times , a vivid, evocative, and deeply knowledgeable history of this unique world capital. a settlement founded by the Romans, occupied by the Saxons, conquered by the Danes, and ruled by the Normans. This transformative place became a medieval maze of alleys and courtyards, later to be checkered with grand estates of Georgian splendor. It swelled with industry and became the center of the largest empire in history. And having risen from the rubble of the Blitz, it is now one of the greatest cities in the world. From the prehistoric occupants of the Thames Valley to the preoccupied commuters of today, Simon Jenkins brings together the key events, individuals and trends in London's history to create a matchless portrait of the capital. He masterfully explains the battles that determined how London was conceived and built—and especially the perennial conflict between money and power. Based in part on his experiences of and involvement in the events that shaped the post-war city, and with his trademark color and authority, Simon Jenkins shows above all how London has taken shape over more than two thousand years. Fascinating for locals and visitors alike, this is narrative history at its finest, from the most ardent protector of British heritage.
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Reviews
"He describes pivotal moments in the city's history, including the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the impact of the Great War."
"Readers unfamiliar with the city's geography will appreciate the generous maps and illustrations but may feel the urge to skim many detailed accounts of local property development."
"One of the book's most intriguing sections documents London's status as a 'refuge to a continent' in the 19th century, playing home to such revolutionaries and republicans as German socialist Karl Marx, Hungarian freedom fighter Louis Kossuth, and Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi."
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