Reforming London The London Government Problem, 1855-1900 (Oxford Historical Monographs) - Hardcover

Davis, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0198229372 ISBN 13: 9780198229377

Publisher: Clarendon Press, 1988

Synopsis

320p cloth with blue dustjacket, minor shelfwear, pages clean and unmarked, binding firm, near fine condition

About this title

Review

Dr Davis' contribution lies in his analysis of London's particular social and political characteristics and their affect on the process of reform during the nineteenth century. His conclusions on the role of political and other loyalties and interests add a new and important dimension to the debate on the process of London government reform. (P. L. Garside, University of Salford. Planning Perspectives)

an astute examination based on careful and well documented research ... The approach is richly detailed yet not so immersed in minutiae as to lose sight of the general issues. (David R. Green, Kings College, London, Journal of Historical Geography)

magnificent book ... Davis' work is absorbing, comprehensively researched, convincing in argument and written in fine style. I enjoyed reading it enormously and can recommend it warmly. (Stephen Merrett, University College London, Scandinavian Housing & Planning Research 7:1990)

This book is outstanding when dealing with links between national politics and London politics, but virtually ignores local and metropolitan functions and policies. This approach will do much to complement previous work and it is to be hoped that a new synthesis will now emerge. (Anthony Sutcliffe, English Historical Review)

The book is outstanding when dealing with links between national politics and London politics ... This approach will do much to complement previous work and it is to be hoped that a new synthesis will now emerge. (John Roach, University of Sheffield, EHR Oct. 91)

Synopsis

This book analyses the process of reform that led to the formation of the London County Council, the forces that shaped it, and the role played by local and national politicians in its establishment. In the middle of the nineteenth century, London was the world's largest city, and the Victorians were the first to face a task which has become familiar to other generations and other advanced societies - how to provide for its government. The divergent political and material interests within a metropolis have to be reconciled; where previously separate communities are joined together by the spread of the city, traditional local rivalries are likely to be deepened by the growing differentiation of rich and poor areas, and to take political shape. This fascinating account of the economic, social, and administrative complexities of Victorian London will appeal to all those interested in the intractable 'metropolitan problem.'

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarendon Press
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0198229372
• ISBN 13: 9780198229377
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 310