Cultures of London: Legacies of Migration

Migration has significantly shaped London's history and culture, and this book celebrates the city's diversity through thirty-three short essays by academics, artists, broadcasters, and curators. It explores various subjects, including famous people and places, lesser-known topics, and the movements of people, plants, animals, and ideologies. The book offers a kaleidoscopic vision of London and provides insights into the successive migrant communities that have made the city their own.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

From its humble origins as the Roman city of Londinium to its current status as a vibrant and diverse global metropolis, London's history and culture have been intricately woven with the tapestry of migration. This captivating book serves as a testament to the city's rich cultural diversity and emphasizes the indispensable role that migration has played in shaping its modern identity. Through a series of thirty-three thought-provoking essays penned by esteemed academics, artists, broadcasters, and curators, this volume explores the multifaceted aspects of London's cultural landscape. The subjects covered span a wide range, from the mediaeval era to the contemporary, encompassing buildings and institutions, individuals and communities, objects, visual art, street performances, and literary texts. Some contributors delve into the well-known landmarks and figures of London, such as Shakespeare and St. Paul's Cathedral, while others shed light on lesser-known subjects, such as the Free German League of Culture (1939–1946) or the eighteenth-century musician, grocer, and man of letters, Ignatius Sancho.

Migration, in all its forms, is not just a phenomenon limited to London's cultures but also extends to its diverse population. This book delves into the intricate web of human migrations from across the globe and within the British Isles, spanning a period of two thousand years. It also explores the movements of plants, animals, ideologies, natural resources, and man-made toxins into and through the city, highlighting the interconnectedness of different communities and cultures.

The book is organized into a series of captivating snapshots that offer a kaleidoscopic vision of London. Each essay provides fresh insights into the successive migrant communities that have made London their home, contributing to its rich tapestry of diversity. From the arrival of the Romans and the establishment of Londinium to the waves of immigrants from different parts of the world in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the city has been a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions.

Through its engaging narratives and diverse perspectives, this book encourages readers to appreciate the multifaceted nature of London's history and culture. It serves as a reminder that migration is not just a historical phenomenon but a continuous force that shapes our world today. By celebrating the contributions of migrants and acknowledging the importance of migration in the making of modern cities, this volume contributes to a broader understanding of the complex dynamics of our global society.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350242012