Cruickshank's London: A Portrait of a City in 13 Walks

Description

An idiosyncratic and beautifully illustrated guide to walking the city, by the nation's favourite architectural historian 'The perfect guide to the hidden history of London's streets.' BBC History Magazine In Cruickshank's London, Britain's favourite architectural historian describes thirteen walks through one of the greatest cities on earth. From the mysterious Anglo-Saxon origins of Hampstead Heath, via Christopher Wren's magisterial City churches, to the industrial bustle of Victorian Bermondsey, each walk explores a crucial moment in our history - and reveals how it helped forge the modern city. Along the way, Cruickshank peppers the book with vivid photographs, sketches and maps, so you can immediately follow in his footsteps. Every street in London contains a story. This book invites you to hear them.

Dan Cruickshank is an architectural historian and television presenter. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Georgian Group, and the Architectural Panel of the National Trust. His recent work includes the BBC television programmes Civilisation Under Attack (2015) and At Home with the British (2016), and the books A History of Architecture in 100 Buildings (2015) and Spitalfields (2016). He lives in London.

All power to Cruickshank and his intrepid and knowledgeable kind. We need them. * TLS * An inspiringly illustrated guide to walks across London . . . Proves how much we can miss if we don't pay close attention to our surroundings. * Country Life * There can be few people more passionate about Georgian architecture than Dan Cruickshank . . . A call to explore London. * Daily Telegraph * Such a beautiful book . . . Absolutely fascinating. * Monocle * Reveals the capital . . . Cruickshank finds great stories in the Big Smoke. -- Best Travel Books * Shortlist * Historic walks covering all corners of the city . . . [Cruickshank] tells little known stories including the West Ham churches inscribed with the occult symbols of the Knights Templar, and the features of Tower Bridge that were included to appease Queen Victoria's temper. * Londonist * A closer look at our magnificent city, under the eagle eye of Dan Cruickshank. -- Robert Elms, BBC Radio London Featuring maps and photographs, this new book is the perfect guide to the hidden history of London's streets. * BBC History Magazine * For armchair walkers or history buffs wanting a stroll with a headful of interesting facts to share, it's an excellent guide. * This England *