Listen free for 30 days

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Soho cover art

Soho

Written by: Dan Cruickshank
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin, Dan Cruickshank
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $27.32

Buy Now for $27.32

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

SOHO - ILLICIT, GLAMOROUS, SORDID, LOUCHE, POVERTY-STRICKEN, SQUALID, EXHILARATING.

One of Britain's best-loved historians, Dan Cruickshank grants us an intimacy with centuries of rich and varied London history as he guides us around the Soho of the last five hundred years. We learn of its original aspirations towards respectability, how it became the city's bohemian quarter and why it was once home to its criminal underworld.

The history of Soho is written in its surviving architecture, including its bars, clubs and theatres. Cruickshank observes how the common denominator over the centuries is its appeal as a destination for immigrants: from French Huguenots to the Italian and East European Jewish community and recent Chinese diaspora - and that this is the foundation of its spirit and success. Even as he mourns some of the changes, he pays heartfelt testament to the district's resilience.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio on our desktop site.

©2019 Dan Cruickshank (P)2019 Orion Publishing Group Ltd

What listeners say about Soho

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    0
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    0
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    0
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Substantial but Unfit for Audio Format

This book provides a detailed architectural and urban analysis of London’s Soho district. The author, an art historian, is clearly passionate with his subject. He seems to have regularly paced the area since the 1970’s!

The work begins with an overall history of Soho from the beginning of its urbanization in the 17th century. Follows a street-by-street detailed architectural history of each building, complete with anecdotes regarding persons who lived or worked there and pertinent references to literary works, notably by Charles Dickens. The walk ends somewhat abruptly at Oxford Circus Underground Station and there is no general conclusion.

Sadly, this type of book is not congruent with an audio format, unless perhaps the listener proceeds while walking the area. Others have to make do with Google Street View but must give up the mobility normally concurrent with an audiobook.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!