Middlesex

by Michael Robbins

Few people know much about Middlesex; it is commonly thought of as one large and featureless suburb. Yet it has a history of great interest, crowded with important events and famous characters, from Julius Caesar at Brentford to Winston Churchill at Harrow. Its history also includes minor curiosities of the past—the devil of Edmonton, the witch of Finchley, the miser of Harrow Weald, the highwaymen of Hounslow Heath—amid the varied incidents of local life in places that are now London dormitories. First published in 1953, at the time this book was the most comprehensive history and description of an English county ever attempted in a single volume. Its first part describes the county's natural situation and its earliest history and surveys its economic life, in particular its almost vanished agriculture and its modern industrial development. There are chapters on particular aspects of Middlesex's history, inhabitants, and buildings.  The second part—virtually a book in itself—is a lively gazetteer of the places in contemporary Middlesex, from Acton to Yiewsley. The whole work is fully indexed and referenced, and includes tables of population and a detailed bibliography (both updated for this edition), line maps, diagrams, and 48 pages of superb photographs. Michael Robbins had a lifelong love of the county of his birth, and tramped many miles along Middlesex roads while researching and writing this book; he believed there was no other way of getting to know the county. It remains the standard work on the local history of the county—a book for all who know and love Middlesex.

Genres: Fiction

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Vy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read this year.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, about a greek family

[Diyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best "new" books that I have read in a while. Those who gauge their interest by how thick or thin a book is may be hesitant to pick it up. I am certain that, once begun, this book will be hard to put down.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting, but it took a looooong time to get through.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all times!

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get into this book!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page, intriguing and poignant.

[Alisonleonard1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading this for a book club. Am loving it yet again!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was the best part. Story was captivating, but it should have been edited down. It was too long, and I got impatient with it.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor man's version of the Victoria County Histories. Some forgiveable anachronisms (published in the 50s)

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

fabulous, far ranging saga brilliantly written

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Olivia Buxton]

One of my absolute favorite books of ALL TIME. Does it get any better?

[Deb Slater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off really good. Started to lag a bit. Overall, a good read.