Mind the Gap: A London Underground Miscellany

by Emily Kearns

Imagine life without the London Underground. The iconic Tube has been transporting Londoners around Britain’s capital for 150 years, and today 150,000 passengers use the Underground every hour. This fascinating miscellany takes us on a round-trip through every aspect of the London Underground, from the history of its construction to its many appearances in books, films and popular music, giving a glimpse into the technical marvels beneath our feet and the many human stories that play out in its trains and tunnels every day. 1845: A pamphlet is published in which Charles Pearson, a London lawyer, pushes the idea of an underground railway to transport both passengers and goods to the city centre. 1863: On January 10 the Metropolitan Railway goes down in the history books when it opens the first subterranean railway in the world. 1998: A previously undiscovered breed of mosquito, adapted to life underground, is discovered living in the Tube network. 2012: Close to one million people use the Northern line alone, every day.

Genres: London, Nonfiction, Travel

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Emilija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had some pretty good, interesting and fun facts about the London Underground. I really enjoyed it, and I love the title.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a breath of fresh air for all tube travellers! Never was the word "miscellany" better applied. The fascinating facts snuggle along with the treasure of stories and leave the reader with a pleasing sense of comfort that the train system on which he or she is travelling must be the best in the world. I for one will check whether it is quicker to take a tube underground or walk above ground between neighbouring stations!*! This book is an entertaining collection of little known facts, first hand experiences and history. A true "must have" in everyone's library.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice easy to read background information about the tube.

[Stuart Haining · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting info about London.

[Mairi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting compilation of London. Underground facts.

[Avesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read, learnt so many facts, including the history of the London Underground. Learnt a lot about my local stations as well.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book the last time I was in London because I’ve always found pub trans alluring and futuristic. It's a fascinating, light read about this iconic pioneering public transportation system. Pictures to accompany the evolution of the train cars would have resulted in a higher rating and it would have benefitted greatly by adding pictures of the network as it grew and changed shape over time.

What is most eye-opening, is the disparity in attitude toward public transportation in Chicago compared to London. Despite being the 3rd largest city in the US, Chicago seems to have an almost phobic reaction to changes to the El system. Status quo and fears around inconvenience and urban blight trump expansion and greater utility. I would be more sympathetic had I not seen how many other cities have more fully embraced subways, light rail, and trams. I can't see how commuter life will get anything other than worse in a city that refuses to keep with the times and build a true network of trains that grows with the city instead of an outdated hub-spoke system.

[Robin Houghton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, well ordered miscellany, clearly laid out, very, very comprehensive and easy to use as a look-up for information. Great for dipping in and out of too. The formation, development and history are well covered and interestingly written. It is illustrated with pen and ink drawings which seem to add to its charm. I was particularly impressed with the appendices too, which cover all the active and inactive stations including the lines served, when opened, and other notes. Following these is a list of the railway companies and when they were formed and what happened to them. Finally at the back is an excellent list of resources and websites. An ideal book for the reference shelf.