London: A Cultural History

by Richard L. Tames

Richard Tames describes how London has been chronicled, described, celebrated, named, and mapped over the twenty centuries of its existence to become a city treasured even by those who have never set foot in it as a byword for innovation and diversity. This book has been written for those who, knowing London, know that it is too vast, too complex, too elusive ever to be fully known but yet would like to know it better still.

Genres: History, London, Travel

Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

About the author

Richard Lawrence Tames, born 30 January 1946, lectures on history at Syracuse University London and is a Blue Badge guide.

Tames is also a Lecturer on London’s history for the Institute of Tourist Guiding. He has written over twenty books on different aspects of English history, including Shakespeare’s London on 5 Groats a Day.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A randomly organized collection of London’s cultural history, with a sprinkling of editorializing

[Samuel Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a comprehensive history of London starting with the Romans and ending with the Millennium. It also not a travel guide. This is good since such books are a dime a dozen; instead, Tames writes in a journalistic and personal way.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't really a "travel book," but it is useful background reading when planning a trip to London.