The City on the Thames: The Creation of a World Capital: A History of London

by Simon Jenkins

By the former editor of the London Times , a vivid, evocative, and deeply knowledgeable history of this unique world capital.

a settlement founded by the Romans, occupied by the Saxons, conquered by the Danes, and ruled by the Normans. This transformative place became a medieval maze of alleys and courtyards, later to be checkered with grand estates of Georgian splendor. It swelled with industry and became the center of the largest empire in history. And having risen from the rubble of the Blitz, it is now one of the greatest cities in the world.

From the prehistoric occupants of the Thames Valley to the preoccupied commuters of today, Simon Jenkins brings together the key events, individuals and trends in London's history to create a matchless portrait of the capital. He masterfully explains the battles that determined how London was conceived and built—and especially the perennial conflict between money and power.

Based in part on his experiences of and involvement in the events that shaped the post-war city, and with his trademark color and authority, Simon Jenkins shows above all how London has taken shape over more than two thousand years. Fascinating for locals and visitors alike, this is narrative history at its finest, from the most ardent protector of British heritage.

Genres: History, London, Nonfiction, Cities, British Literature, World History

432 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

Sir Simon David Jenkins, FSA, FRSL is the author of the international bestsellers England’s Thousand Best Churches and England’s Thousand Best Houses, the former editor of The Times and Evening Standard and a columnist for the Guardian. He is chairman of the National Trust.

Reviews

[Julia Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too much detail given to overwhelm the reader with information, but just enough to remind some readers of the importance and brilliance of the city we call London. Makes me itch to return!

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you wanted an overview/ introduction to London history this is the book for you. Yes, it's a little broad, but that's almost to its benefit for what I believe it's out to accomplish. I would recommend this book if you need an introduction; it was alright. This book is also great if you don't have a good mental map as there are lots of maps and pictures that help explain the geography at hand.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapters were good and had maps that helped. The chapters post 1800 soon became a list of architectural styles, which were not among the illustrations the book had. There needs to be more interplay between the politics and economics and social reasons behind the destruction of certain buildings, re/buildings, spread of urban area.

[Kathleen McRae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The path of history is documented but with bias.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blends architectural analysis with social history to bring London’s evolution over the centuries to life.

[Alan R · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read but to really get something from you need to be familiar with London.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive history of greater London, from its origins as a backwater of the Roman Empire to a world city. In a sense, the story of London is the story of many cities which have grown and evolved over two millennia. There has been literally more than one London, as Roman Londinium was destroyed in the Boudiccan revolt of the first Century, and its replacement was essentially abandoned in the 5th. Since then, London has waxed and waned, evolving as the society around it has, a story that Jenkins masterfully recounts. I found his framing of the tensions between the different cities within the city (The City and Westminster; East and West Ends, north and south of the Thames, central city and suburbs) to be particularly interesting. He also does a good job using London as a lens (or perhaps metaphor) for the changes shaping different levels of analysis (the city itself, England, Britain, Europe, and the world). I did find many of the later chapters a bit less absorbing due to its focus on architectural history, but overall this was a fascinating look at a endlessly fascinating city.