The Annals of London - Hardcover

Richardson, J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0304354635 ISBN 13: 9780304354634

Publisher: Cassell PLC, 2000

Synopsis

There is a mine of information in this large, illustrated chronicle of London which presents almost a thousand years of history through year-by-year accounts. After a general overview of prehistoric and Saxon London, Richardson begins with 1065 and the causes of the Norman Conquest and ends with the erection of the Dome and the London Eye. In between are entries which illustrate the daily life, disasters and achievements of London as well as other events, such as the siege of 1141 and the plague in 1348, which reflect national crises. The entries record the gradual construction of the London that can be seen today, such as the building campaigns at the Tower of London and the destruction of many of its buildings. An enjoyable read on London's past.

About this title

About the Author

John Richardson has a long interest in London's history and in 1995 he published a social history of London entitled London and its People. He has written histories of Covent Garden, Camden Town, Hampstead, Islington, Highgate and Kentish Town. He was also instrumental in helping to found the London Arts Board.

From Library Journal

While Samuel Johnson's famous remark that tiring of London means tiring of life is an exaggeration, this chronology provides ample evidence of the city's boundless fascination. A three-page pr cis covers its Roman foundations, dating from 43 C.E., as well as London's Saxon, Danish, and Norse experiences. Year-by-year entries start with Westminister Abbey (consecrated in 1065 under Edward the Confessor) and the 1066 Norman Conquest, continuing through 1999. Fascinating trivia abound, such as Geoffrey Chaucer's being robbed twice in a single day. Schematic color maps outline Roman, Medieval, Tudor, Restoration, Georgian, Victorian, and contemporary London. The entries are very readable, though the type is rather small. The 200 black-and-white sketches, photos, and engravings are captioned, but source references are spotty. A 12-page index is supplied, but there are no contents, map or illustration lists, or bibliography. Still, historian, writer, lecturer, publisher, and borough politician Richardson, the author of six earlier books on London (e.g., London & Its People, LJ 5/1/96), has done a splendid job. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries.DNigel Tappin, Lake of Bays P.L., Ont.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cassell PLC
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0304354635
• ISBN 13: 9780304354634
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 408