Little Book of the London Underground

by David Long

With 980 million passengers a year, more than 250 miles of track, literally hundreds of different stations and a history stretching back nearly 150 years, the world's oldest underground railway might seem familiar, but actually, how well do you know it? Do you know, for example, who the Queen sat next to when she first went on the Tube in 1939? Or what they did with all the earth dug out to make way for the Piccadilly Line? Or indeed why it is that without the common shipworm, Teredo navalis, the Tube network might not even exist? Thought not. But now, with 10,000 wacky facts at your fingertips, The Little Book of the London Underground will tell you everything you need to know - and plenty more that your probably don't.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, Travel, Reference

192 pages, Hardcover

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!