The Book of Lists: London

by Nick Rennison

Why did London Underground once employ a one-legged man to ride up and down the escalators at Earl's Court tube station? What did Hitler plan to do with Nelson's Column? Why is London's only medieval mummy a prostitute named Clarice la Claterballock? How did a beer flood in Tottenham Court Road drown nine people? Where can you see a pair of Queen Victoria's knickers? Containing chapters covering London past and present; buildings and streets; famous and unexpected Londoners; arts, literature and crime; plus much much more, the 180 lists will amaze, amuse and inform. More than simply a keepsake for tourists, every self-respecting Londoner needs this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, History, Travel, Reference

309 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2006

About the author

Nick Rennison is a writer, editor and bookseller. His books include Sherlock Holmes: An Unauthorised Biography, Robin Hood: Myth, History, Culture, The Bloomsbury Good Reading Guide and 100 Must-Read Historical Novels. He is a regular reviewer of historical fiction for both The Sunday Times and BBC History Magazine.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I should say this is a book for dipping in and out of - as the title suggests is it a book of lists. Now for someone who has lived in and visited London many times I still find this city fascinating. there is so much history there that it would take a life time and I doubt you would still not know it all.
However not all history is what you would expect and it is books like this that help shine a light on them - from hidden rivers and strange employees of the London underground. It also contains some of the fact that didnt happen - such as alternatives for Nelson's Column.
This is one of the books where you can pick it up and read several pages and be thoroughly surprised, entertained and educated all at the same time. Its a fun read and I would love to know how much time and energy was put in to researching it.

[Roger Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading books of lists and this one was no exception. Lots of interesting information about London.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to be read in chunks, when you are in the mood for a fact or two. I love quirky facts in general, but especially London ones, and this book has plenty. Your mileage may vary on what you find interesting, but there’s something for everyone here. As noted elsewhere, sometimes a little light on detail ( I web searched several times for more info) but that’s the nature of the beast.
Well worth a look.

[Anwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book to dip into but, because of its list format, necessarilly light on information in some cases. An entertaining way to pass the time, with some truly remarkable facts hidden amongst the more well known.

[Ffiamma · Rating 3 out of 5]

buffo libro di liste sulla città di londra - per chi la conosce già e ha voglia di aneddoti curiosi e stralci di storia. molto divertente.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of facts and about London, what else?