Soho
A Street Guide to Soho's History, Architecture and People
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Soho
Narrated by:
Dan Cruickshank, Gordon Griffin
Buy Now for $29.43
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Narrated by:
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Dan Cruickshank
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Gordon Griffin
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Written by:
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Dan Cruickshank
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.
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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.
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