London 1870-1914: A City at its Zenith

This book provides a comprehensive and lively account of London's history between 1870 and 1914,using architecture, literature, art, and social and historical phenomena to explore the city's development. It covers important historical events and issues, such as the creation of new neighborhoods, the housing crisis, and the fashion for specific types of buildings. The author's interpretation of London's history is one of progress in the face of great odds, and the book offers lessons for today's city.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2021
Publisher: Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd

London, a vibrant and captivating city, emerges from the pages of this captivating book as a symbol of its unparalleled power, uniqueness, and allure. Author Andrew Saint skillfully weaves together a tapestry of social, geographical, and visual elements to unravel the mysteries of this great metropolis. Through the lens of buildings, architecture, literature, and art, Saint offers a profound understanding of social and historical phenomena, painting a vivid picture of life in Victorian London.

While other accounts of Victorian London may dwell on poverty, this book presents a more comprehensive view of city life. It is alive with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique stories and connections. Baron Albert Grant, Henry Mayers Hyndman, John Burns, Octavia Hill, Aubrey Beardsley, Alfred Harmsworth, and the Garrett sisters are just a few of the colourful personalities who grace the pages of this book. Insightful quotes by esteemed authors like Trollope, Henry James, and Rudyard Kipling further enrich the narrative, providing a glimpse into the minds and hearts of those who have left their mark on London's history.

The book is organized into four long chapters, each dedicated to a decade between 1870 and 1914. These chapters serve as a chronological framework, allowing readers to trace the evolution of London over time. While not intended to be a comprehensive history, the book covers all the most significant historical developments in London and London life. Particular issues are allotted to the decade in which they seem to have been most critical, such as the creation of new neighborhoods and roads, the Victorian response to the housing crisis, the popularity of specific architectural styles, and the focus on particular types of buildings, including ice rinks, schools, houses, hospitals, fire stations, exhibition halls, water works, music halls, recital rooms, and pubs.

This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the visual medium. It is an up-to-date, accessible, and visually stunning work that embraces the entirety of London's history in a positive and uplifting spirit. Saint's interpretation of London's history is both insightful and engaging, offering a fresh perspective on a city that has fascinated and inspired generations. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a London resident, or simply someone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of human experience, this book is a must-read. So, immerse yourself in the pages of "London: A History in Four Chapters" and discover the magic and mystique of a city that has left an indelible mark on the world.

Weight: 768g
Dimension: 240 x 170 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848224650