Hidden Treasures of London: A Guide to the Capital's Best-kept Secrets

Description

The secret history of London, as told by some of its less familiar sights- from Aeroville, Hendon to the zodiacal clock of Bracken House, and from Alexander Pope's grotto to the ruined Epstein sculptures of Zimbabwe House. A beautifully illustrated guide to over 400 of London's lesser-known cultural gems. Nobody could deny that London is one of the most culturally and architecturally rich places in the world. We cannot think of it without calling to mind buildings such as the Houses of Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, monuments such as Nelson's Column and the Cenotaph, and the incredible collections of museums such as the V&A and Natural History Museum. But such glories can make us overlook some of the other, less obvious wonders that the city has to offer. In Hidden Treasures of London Michael McNay has collected these more esoteric attractions, highlighting masterpieces and locations of significance the length and breadth of the city and its suburbs. In some cases an entire building may draw his attention; perhaps a beautiful church tucked away on a backstreet or an unobtrusive townhouse which lodged some great figure. In other cases it may be only a particular object or feature; a display of photographs, or some particularly fine relief sculpture. In every case McNay describes the subject at hand in vivid detail and provides the reader with the cultural and historical context needed to fully appreciate it. However well you may think you know the capital, Hidden Treasures of London is certain to unlock more of its secrets to you, leading you away from well-trodden tourist destinations to explore the amazing secret history of this great city.

Michael McNay worked for the Guardian for some thirty-seven years, during which time he wrote and edited features, was the paper's first arts editor and wrote frequently on fine art and cinema. He was closely involved in the paper's root and branch redesign of the late 1980s, and, to see it through, moved on to laying out and editing the front page for several years. He is now a freelance writter. His books include Hidden Treasures of England and a study of the St Ives painter Patrick Heron.

Written in plain English, the author doesn't presume his reader has knowledge of the subject which makes for an easily digestible read. * Cabbie Blog * Many genuinely hidden or at any rate little-known objects of beauty and interest that Michael McNay has brought into the light of day, and frequently into a full colour illustration, in this lavishly produced volume. * The Time Literary Supplement *