The Making of London: The People and Events That Made it Famous

The Making of London explores the rich history of the Metropolis from the Roman settlement to its emergence as the world's greatest city. It focuses on central London but also brings in other nearby districts. The book examines major historical events and some of the more unusual and quirky aspects that have contributed to making London the diverse and fascinating place it remains today. It also highlights the juxtaposition of extravagance and poverty, high culture with the lowest of low life, and how the lives of the ordinary people were shaped by the events they witnessed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 06 March 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Making of London delves into the rich history of the Metropolis, spanning from the Roman settlement established 2,000 years ago in the area known as the Square Mile, to its eventual rise as the world's greatest city. London's transformation into the capital and seat of government of Britain, a cultural, entertainment, and retailing hub, a major port and industrial center, and a global leader in international trade, commerce, and finance is explored in detail. While the focus primarily lies in central London, it also incorporates other nearby districts when events involved interaction with them.

While examining a selection of significant historical events, consideration is also given to some of the more unusual and quirky aspects that have contributed to making London the diverse and fascinating place it remains today. A largely chronological approach is taken, emphasizing how the lives of ordinary people were shaped by the events they witnessed, such as invasions, riots, rebellions, fires, smogs, wars, epidemics, and pandemics. The story embraces the apparent glamour of areas such as Mayfair and the West End, while also shedding light on districts plagued by crime, poverty, and despair. London has always been a place of paradoxes, where flaunted wealth coexisted alongside appalling social deprivation. The juxtaposition of extravagance and poverty, of high culture with the lowest of low life, is a recurring theme in London's history.

The Making of London will captivate newcomers seeking to learn about London's past, as well as those familiar with its history, who are bound to discover new insights within its pages.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 241 x 167 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399084673