Cruickshank’s London: A Portrait of a City in 20 Walks

by Dan Cruickshank

An idiosyncratic and beautifully illustrated guide to walking the city, by the nation’s favourite architectural historian

Cobbled medieval alleyways and ornate Georgian boulevards. Decadent marble mansions and sprawling Victorian slums. Heaths, churches, squares and railways that, between them, hold two thousand years of London’s history is written into the very fabric of its streets. In Cruickshank’s London , one of Britain’s best-loved historians vividly describes twenty historic walks that span North, East, South and West London. As he tours the city, Dan Cruickshank uncovers the forgotten stories that shaped the districts we all thought we from the mysterious Celtic origins of Hampstead Heath, via the West Ham churches inscribed with the occult symbols of the Knights Templar, to the features of Tower Bridge that were included to appease Queen Victoria’s infamous temper. Throughout, Cruickshank peppers the book with colourful photos and easy-to-follow maps that make his wanderings immediately useful for anyone who wants to follow his footsteps through the capital. Passionately written and deeply researched, Cruickshank’s London is not just a walking it is a love letter to a city whose history immerses and inspires anyone who passes through.

Genres: London, Travel, Nonfiction, History, British Literature, Architecture

512 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

Dan Cruickshank (1949 - ) is a British art historian and BBC television presenter, with a special interest in the history of architecture.

He holds a BA in Art, Design and Architecture and was formerly a Visiting Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Sheffield and a member of the London faculty of the University of Delaware. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a member of the Executive Committee of the Georgian Group and on the Architectural Panel of the National Trust.

Reviews

[Roanna25 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected or wanted. If it's a book about walks around a city than I expect pictures (in color) maps (in color) historical context but also what is located there now. Certainly not a book you could carry around with you.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't expecting such a weighty time but enjoyed it *** 13 London walks but a very close look at the architecture on the walks,, I will certainly be on the look out next time I go up to the smoke ,,, discover for yourself !!!

[Martin Pilkington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Cruickshank is best known for his tv programmes, mainly around architecture. The enthusiasm that typifies his tv work is evident here too.

He clearly likes loves London , he lives there and has been involved in various campaigns to protect it’s architectural heritage.

The best thing I can say about this book, and the 13 walks he writes about, is that it makes you want to go and see these places for yourself. I lived in London for 7 years and I worked there for all but 10 years of my working life, and while a lot of the places I know, I clearly don’t it as well as I thought.

A really good, thought provoking book.

[Aida Saldana Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I learnt lots about the city I live in...