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A Short History of London

The Creation of a World Capital

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A Short History of London

Written by: Simon Jenkins
Narrated by: Anthony Howell
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

LONDON: a settlement founded by the Romans, occupied by the Saxons, conquered by the Danes and ruled by the Normans. This unremarkable place - not even included in the Domesday Book - became a medieval maze of alleys and courtyards, later to be chequered with grand estates of Georgian splendour. It swelled with industry and became the centre of the largest empire in history. And rising 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. Based in part on his own witness of the events that shaped the post-war city, and with his trademark colour and authority, he shows above all how London has taken shape over more than two thousand years. This is narrative history at its finest, from the most ardent protector of our heritage.

©2019 Simon Jenkins (P)2019 Penguin Audio Europe Great Britain England Middle Ages War United Kingdom

What the critics say

Fascinating and timely. Truly the story of the fabric we see before us. Required reading for every developer, planner or councillor who holds London in trust today (Griff Rhys Jones)
Jenkins's handling of the preceding two millennia is clear and informative . . . there are also nuggets and insights . . . accessible, clear and readable (Rowan Moore)
'He [Jenkins] brings much knowledge and experience to his defence of those streets, in this study of the battle for "London's appearance - why it looks as it does today, more variegated and visually anarchic than any comparable city" (Christopher Howse)
All stars
Most relevant
Architects, Sociologists, Criminologists and Urban Planning Engineers will likely get the most out of this. However, anyone else curious how such a city came to be will find something of interest as well. Narrator Howell was also excellent.

A puzzle of a city thoroughly discussed.

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