City Secrets: London - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1892145073 ISBN 13: 9781892145079

Publisher: Little Bookroom, 2001

Synopsis

The travel advice in City Secrets London comes directly from the personal recommendations of those who know the city most intimately: writers, critics, artists, and producers. By following these in-the-know recommendations, any traveler will extend well beyond the normal tourist experience to discover a private city rich in personal history. The secret energy of London is discovered not only through details on new, hip locations, but also by exploring the favorite hidden hangouts of historical personalities. Read this book and take an unsuspecting friend along for the trip, they'll be impressed by your cool and by your insider knowledge.

About this title

About the Author

Series editor Robert Kahn is an architect in private practice. Friends of the following museums have generously shared their personal and professional insights in City Secrets London. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the guides will Sir John Soane's Museum, The Museum of London and The Whitechapel Art Gallery. Contributors include: David Hughes an award-wining crime writer; Romesh Gunesekera, author; Elliot Boyd, member of the Royal Institute of British Architects; Alan Brownjohn, poet; Carol McDaid is an editor and journalist on the Observer.

From the Back Cover

Tour London in the company of its most thoughtful observers.

Beyond the public London of pomp and circumstance exists a private London that endlessly inspires its artists and writers. Infused with the spirit of history and literature--yet undeniably of-the-moment--the city's loveliest old corners and hippest new addresses are now revealed: the lopsided 17th-century premises of the wine merchant who supplies claret to the Queen; Oscar Wilde's favourite restaurant; a barge trip by canal to Camden Market; a connoisseur's afternoon.

Church Row, Hampstead NW3 tube: Hampstead

The best walk in London is down Church Row in NW3. After his exile and disgrace as the boyfriend of Oscar Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas lived here, though I don't know at which number. You could ring all the bells and ask. At the end of the road there is a ravishing little graveyard to the right which contains the remains of Hugh Gaitskell, Kay Kendall, Anton Walbrook (the ringmaster from La Ronde) and Joan Collins's mother. Our Lady guards Beerbohm Tree. To the left, in the grounds of the church itself, you will find the grave of John Harrison--immortalised by Michael Gambon in the TV film of Longtitude. You will also get an extraordinary view south towards the river. Then you should head on to Frognal, turn right, and at 99 you will find the house where General de Gaulle lived as leader of the Free French throughout the Second World War. I find it heartstopping to think of him here, directing the French war effort from a house in Hampstead. Of course if you want to follow the theme of the Resistance, you then have to go to the French House in Soho (49 Dean Street W1) to see where de Gaulle's juniors all ate and drank. But, for me, the pub will never be as evocative as the big, leafy house in North London. David Hare, Playwright

Edition details

• Publisher: Little Bookroom
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1892145073
• ISBN 13: 9781892145079
• Binding: Turtleback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 260
• Editor: Tim Adams, Robert Kahn