The Little Book of the London Underground

by David Long

Did You Know?

In 1884 the Circle Line opened and was described in The Times as 'a form of mild torture which no person would undergo if he could conveniently help it.'

According to one psychologist, Tube commuters can experience greater levels of stress than a police officer facing a rioting mob or even a fighter pilot going into a dogfight.

Underground trains have only twice been used to transport deceased people in William Gladstone and Dr Barnardo.

Some of the most bizarre items handed in to lost property include 250lb of sultanas, a 14ft canoe, a child's garden slide, a harpoon gun, a pith helmet, an artificial leg, someone's brother's ashes and a sealed box containing three dead bats.

WITH well over a billion passengers a year, more than 250 miles of track, literally hundreds of different stations and a history stretching back at least 160 years, the world's oldest underground railway might seem familiar, but how well do you actually know it?

This book offers a feast of Tube-based trivia for travellers and lovers of London alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, Travel, Reference

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year 2017, writer and journalist David Long has regularly appeared in The Times and the London Evening Standard, as well as on television and radio. He has written more than 30 books for children and adults and lives in Suffolk.

Reviews

[Sven K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savy little book for everyone who enjoys riding the tube!

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was quite good, lots of interesting facts and findings about the LU. Some bits I did find personally boring though, as I’m only really interested in certain aspects of the Underground. However, each to their own, someone else might find it interesting so I can’t judge.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as interesting as I had thought it would be. Some interesting facts, but nothing to get too excites about. Would be a great book for those interested in trains, or visiting London and want to know some history of the underground.

[Martin Willoughby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curious, interesting and some plain weird facts about the oldest underground rail network in the world. Who built it, who failed to build it, how many ghosts, deaths and marriages etc. Also covers the various strange species of insects and birds that live there.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite interesting

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I love lots of facts and figures about things, and the Underground is a really interesting subject!!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not as interesting as other books he has written.

Still a moderately enjoyable way to spend a few hours.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent. I really enjoyed this. Great if you're fascinated by the London Underground or would like to get some background knowledge.

David Long knows his stuff and the style of the book and layout makes it so interesting! 4/5 top notch!