Items related to The London Collection

9781845250195: The London Collection

Synopsis

From Chelsea to Camden, Hammersmith to Hackney, this area-by-area collection of urban facts and compelling stats takes lovers of London on a unique tour of the ?capital of cool.” In addition to getting fun quotes and notes, inquiring minds will find the answers to these pressing questions: What piece of classical music are the chimes of Big Ben based on? Which is the bestselling chocolate bar from machines on the Underground? Where did John Logie Baird first demonstrate how television works? What tragic events led to the Olympics being held in London in 1908 and 1948? Anglophiles and tourists will eat this up!

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Review

'A joy'. -- The London Paper, 6 September, 2006.

'Daft but diverting bog literature.' -- City Am, September 15, 2006

'Finally, an honest appraisal of the underbelly of the capital'. -- www.WandsworthTown.com

'The little black book no Londoner should be without'. -- My London Website

'This is no ordinary miscellany...A joy.' -- The London Paper, September 6, 2006

'This quirky little black book would make an ideal gift for those
who want to know more about our capital'. -- Terry Sutton, Hythe Herald, 28 September 2006.

'What is especially delightful about this book is its size...yet
has more than 180 information-packed pages'. -- Terry Sutton, Hythe Herald, 28 September, 2006.

Synopsis

Finally, there is an honest appraisal of the underbelly of the capital. "The London Collection" presents a fascinating miscellany of highly amusing satirical anecdotes, historical snippets, etymologies, quotes and indispensable uncommon knowledge for all those who wish to discover the lesser-known tales of the city. This devilishly sleek guidebook for the non-tourist astutely captures the love-hate relationship we have with London and more importantly, our ability to laugh at its (and our own) deepest and darkest foibles. Hidden treasures and cultural nuggets that pass even the seasoned Londoner by are brought to our attention; for example, Paolozzi's brilliant, yet overlooked mosaic that decks the walls of Tottenham Court Road tube station; and works by Canaletto and Van Dyck on display just around the corner from Oxford Street's Topshop. Trace lost London - find a hidden palace, a secret airstrip, the remnants of a forgotten river and the curious sight of a missing bridge on the Embankment.

Brimming with historical eccentricities, you are as likely to open a page charting the extraordinary twists and turns of Virginia Woolf's promiscuous love-life (See 'Bloomsbury bonking') as you are to find out about a disused underground tunnel that loops and sweeps beneath the Thames. Present day alternative pastimes are also outlined; perhaps you would like to re-enact the classic 80s horror flick American Werewolf in London or emulate the beverage consumption from Withnail and I? You could even compare your London inspired musings to a variety of celebrities, dead and alive (or fictional), such as the Libertines, John Buchan or Alan Partridge.

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