London: Immigrant City

Aftenposten
Nazneen Khan-Østrem's book "London: A Biography" explores the city's diverse immigrant history and its impact on culture, politics, and society. She argues that the city's development is directly attributable to the many different groups of immigrants who arrived after the Second World War, in part due to the Nationality Act of 1948. Khan-Østrem has a cosmopolitan background herself, which has helped her in unravelling the city's rich immigrant history and its constant ongoing evolution. The book is a celebration of London's diverse immigrant communities and is timely in the light of the societal fault lines exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

One of the most comprehensive and insightful books on the diverse migrations to London, this work delves into the profound impact that the diverse origins of immigrants have had on various aspects of life, including food, music, knowledge, and more. The author, Saskia Sassen, The Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology at Columbia University in New York, praises the book for its ability to captivate readers and make them want to keep reading. Dagbladet, a prominent Norwegian newspaper, calls it the ultimate book about London, highlighting its significance in understanding what a city truly is and can be. Aftenposten, another Norwegian publication, praises the book as one of the best of the year, emphasizing its ability to shed light on the ever-changing landscape of London through the stories of immigrants. Nazneen Khan-Østrem, the author, has crafted a remarkable new map of London, revealing the intricate tapestry of a city that many thought they already knew. Through her travels around the city, she meets the individuals who have played a pivotal role in creating a truly unique metropolis. Khan-Østrem demonstrates how London's incredible development is directly linked to the many different groups of immigrants who arrived after the Second World War, in part due to the Nationality Act of 1948. Her book uncovers the historical, cultural, and political changes within these communities, highlighting how they have collectively transformed the city and often been overlooked in discussions about its development. Khan-Østrem herself is a cosmopolitan individual with a diverse background, having been born in Nairobi and raised in the UK and Norway. Her unique perspective has helped her unravel the city's rich immigrant history and its ongoing evolution. Drawing on London's rich literature and musical heritage, she has painted an intricate portrait of a strikingly multi-faceted metropolis. The book is based on extensive research, particularly into aspects that are often overlooked in other works on the city's history. Overall, "London: A Biography" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and fascinating history of one of the world's most iconic cities.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 164 x 335 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472145727