Jo Swinnerton

This book just fuelled my desire to see London for myself and helped me mark a few places on my to-see list. Very interesting facts, both historical and modern-ish (my copy was published in '04).

A souvenir from the best trip ever in 2010: visiting my daughter for two weeks in London. Happier times. London tied with Chicago (my home) as best city in the world. About the book, a breezy collection of fun trivia about the city.

An enjoyable list- and quote- compilation, ideal for bathroom or guest bedroom browsing. Good nuggets include all-time top exhibitions by attendance (Tutankhamun still the number 1) and renamed or disused tube stations. Enjoyable extracts from Waugh, Powell, Mayhew, Dickens, etc. Charles Lamb comes over all affected and weepy: "I often shed tears in the Strand from fullness of joy at so much life".