Walk the Lines: The London Underground, Overground - Hardcover

Mason, Mark

3.95

661 ratings by Goodreads

9781847946539: Walk the Lines: The London Underground, Overground

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1847946534 ISBN 13: 9781847946539

Publisher: Random House Books, 2011

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As a lifelong fan of London, Mark Mason embarks on a mission to 'conquer' the capital once and for all. The only way to truly discover a city, they say, is on foot. Taking this to extremes, Mark sets out to walk the entire length of the London Underground - overground - passing every station on the way.

Over the course of several hundred miles, he comes to understand a sprawling metropolis that never ceases to surprise. In a story packed with historical trivia, personal musings and eavesdropped conversations, Mark learns how to get the best gossip in a City pub, how the Ritz made its female guests feel good about themselves, and why the Bank of England won't let you join the M11 northbound at Junction 5. He has an East End cup of tea with the Krays' official biographer, discovers what cabbies mean by 'on the cotton', and meets the Archers star who was the voice of 'Mind the Gap'.

On a broader level, Mark contemplates London's contradictions as well as its charms. He gains insights into our fascination with maps and sees how walking changes our view of the world. Above all, in this love letter to a complicated friend, he celebrates the sights, sounds and soul of the greatest city on earth.

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Review:

"Crammed with delightful facts, it's a constantly fascinating journey" (Shortlist)

"Mason, a lifelong Tube enthusiast, rediscovers the Underground by walking its routes overground" (The Times)

"Endlessly fascinating" (Spectator)

"This engaging foot puts its best foot forward with fascinating detail about both the Underground and its part in London's history" (Independent)

"Mark Mason's Walk the Lines follows his mission to walk overground the routes taken by the London Underground. In doing so he uncovers some surprising insights into the capital and its inhabitants" (Choice)

"I was charmed by this book's profusion of insightful anecdotes and fascinating trivia" (Walk)

"Offers some extraordinary historical trivia and personal musings" (Completely London)

Book Description:

An obsessive walks the entire London Underground system overground

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