Description
First published in 1953, the year that saw thousands descend on London to watch the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, London A to Z is a lexicon of the city's curiosities, from the Achilles statue in Hyde Park 'erected by the women of England to honour (if not to resemble) the Duke of Wellington', via greyhound racing, lost property offices and umbrellas, to zebra crossings (relative newcomers to London in 1953). Adorned throughout with Edward Bawden's beautiful and distinctive illustrations, this charmingly idiosyncratic guide brings to life with a dry humour the London and Londoners of the day.
More than sixty years have passed since it was first published and while many sights are now lost to time, you may be surprised to find how this vintage guide continues to capture London in all its uniqueness. The new introduction places the original publication in context, drawing the reader into 1950s London via a tour of the book's most curious, nostalgic and whimsical entries.
Originally published in 1953, a charmingly idiosyncratic A-Z of London in coronation year, decorated throughout with Edward Bawden's distinctive illustrations
About the Author
John Metcalf wrote this version of London A-Z in 1953 on the occasion of the Coronation of Elizabeth II.
Reviews
'Heaped high with wit' - The Londonist
'A beautifully illustrated guide' - Good Things Magazine
'A beautiful little book ... very handsome' - Robert Elms Show, BBC Radio London
'The vintage London guidebook every mayor should read ' - Guardian
'Off-beat and beautifully illustrated ' - Lonely Planet Traveller
'Essential reading for every metropolitan explorer ' - Art Book Review
'Idiosyncratic and delightful guide that reminds us that, beneath today s hectic sprawl, the spirit of London lives on ' - Country & Town House
'Shows just how much the city has changed ' - Easyjet Traveller Magazine
'Good advice, all of it ' - Times Literary Supplement
Book Information
ISBN 9780500292471
Author John Metcalf
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 130g
More than sixty years have passed since it was first published and while many sights are now lost to time, you may be surprised to find how this vintage guide continues to capture London in all its uniqueness. The new introduction places the original publication in context, drawing the reader into 1950s London via a tour of the book's most curious, nostalgic and whimsical entries.
Originally published in 1953, a charmingly idiosyncratic A-Z of London in coronation year, decorated throughout with Edward Bawden's distinctive illustrations
About the Author
John Metcalf wrote this version of London A-Z in 1953 on the occasion of the Coronation of Elizabeth II.
Reviews
'Heaped high with wit' - The Londonist
'A beautifully illustrated guide' - Good Things Magazine
'A beautiful little book ... very handsome' - Robert Elms Show, BBC Radio London
'The vintage London guidebook every mayor should read ' - Guardian
'Off-beat and beautifully illustrated ' - Lonely Planet Traveller
'Essential reading for every metropolitan explorer ' - Art Book Review
'Idiosyncratic and delightful guide that reminds us that, beneath today s hectic sprawl, the spirit of London lives on ' - Country & Town House
'Shows just how much the city has changed ' - Easyjet Traveller Magazine
'Good advice, all of it ' - Times Literary Supplement
Book Information
ISBN 9780500292471
Author John Metcalf
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Thames & Hudson Ltd
Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd
Weight(grams) 130g
