by Peter Ackroyd
Finally found out what a catafalque was, thanks to this book. Really dark and dreary. Like Dirty Jobs meets a Mary Roach book.
"Tread carefully over the pavements of London for you are treading on skin, a skein of stone that covers rivers and labyrinths, tunnels and chambers, streams and caverns, pipes and cables, springs and passages, crypts and sewers, creeping things that will never see the light of day." (p. 1)"The bomb...
"Tread carefully over the pavements of London for you are treading on skin, a skein of stone that covers rivers and labyrinths, tunnels and chambers, streams and caverns, pipes and cables, springs and passages, crypts and sewers, creeping things that will never see the light of day." (p. 1)"The bomb...
Parts of the book were really interesting. The first chapter describes London sinking and how things are constantly being built over to the point where I wasn't surprised a King would turn up under a parking lot. The chapters about the subway and how the underground was used during WWII were also ...
Other reviewers have said it all. It's rambly, and would have made a cracking good essay, but it feels padded, which is odd when it's such a short book. Interesting topic, treated poorly.The layout is rather nice though, typography and chapter title pages. (Damning with faint praise much?)
This wasn't quite what I expected as it is more a philosophical and sociological history of underground London and therefore my eyes tended to glaze over in places. Still, some sections were fascinating in their own right although I would've preferred a more scientific and geological approach and e...
A vivid, pungent tour.
I wish I knew London -- this book was enjoyable, a fascinating mix of snippets of info about all kinds of things under ground in London, not just the Tube. The book really came alive when it mentioned areas I was a bit familiar with. Just another good reason to go back for more exploring. Thanks ...
This had a fascinating premise: an exploration of the history under London. Unfortunately, the author’s style drove me crazy–a lot of half-baked philosophical ramblings and a lack of cohesive narrative to the book. Huge disappointment. [Nov. 2011]
This is a wonderful companion book to Ackroyd's two other books, history books, focusing on Loncon (London: The Biography and The Thames: Sacred River). The book is short and can easily be read in one sitting. It also is a good companion to Underground London: Travels Beneath the City Streets.Ackro...
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