I am looking for a book to read about the city of London and its historical development as a way to prepare for a trip this coming holiday season. Ideas? Thanks!

There is a blockbuster of a book that was on the bestseller list a couple of years ago. It is a novel called London by Edward Rutherford, which charts the history of the city through the life of various characters from Roman times to the present. I think you would enjoy it.

London by Edward Rutherford -- fantastic book, historical and entertaining (very thick too!!) - You can't beat this book, it's terrific.

Thanks so much for the replies--both with the same recommendation--must be a sign! Sounds great--I think I'll get it!

Consider this a third vote for the same book. And the best part, for me anyway, is that is reallllly thick!

Just in case you have any trouble finding it, I think the author's last name might be spelled "Rutherfurd".

Susan, <BR>The Rutherfurd book, "London - a novel" is much like the novels of James Michener in that the author employs the story of a number of generations in one family to convey the history of the city. For a fascinating book about London that links neighborhoods, streets, buildings and the river to London's history and its personalities, look for Blake Ehrlich's non-fiction "London on the Thames". I believe it's out of print though Alibris has copies as may your library.

I also vote for London by Rutherfurd. A few others that were fun reading too before my trip last month: The 6 Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir; The Children of Henry VIII by Alison Weir and Restoration London by an author whose name escapes me. They all gave me a wee bit of history so I could relate to many of the things I saw. <BR> <BR>You are going to have a ball!!!

susan, I am going to take a contrarian view to all the previous posters. I attempted to read Mr. Rutherfurd's book and found it to be plodding and ponderous. The few interesting tid-bits of information were not worth the effort. I struggled about half way through it; my only regret is that I did not stop 300 pages sooner. <BR> <BR>If you are interested in a readable non-fiction book about London's development over the past 500 years, I would recommend Roy Porter's "London: A Social History" published about 4 years ago. <BR> <BR>ron

Another vote for Rutheford! He has a new one just out called Forrest for all of those who liked London.

For the social history of the city during the Restoration Period, try Restoration London by Liza Picard. <BR> <BR>

All: Just returned from the bookstore where I was unable to get the Rutherford book (temp out of stock--though they did have many copies of "Forrest"). As it turns out, though, I looked in the history section and did pick up "London: A Social History" by Porter and "Restoration London" by Picard (along with the more ponderous volume of "The Oxford Illustrated History of Britain" ed. by Morgan). How delighted I was to see them recommended here upon my return. Thanks! <BR> <BR>I'm sure these will keep me busy as I wait to get my hands on a copy of "London" by Rutherford

So, this may sound a bit morbid, but I just picked up a book called "The Very Bloody History of London" by John Farman. It suggests some "off the beaten track" places to see.

London, The Unique City by Steen Eiler Rasmussen was written in the 1930's, but is always being reprinted. It's about the development of London as a city, from a city-planning, architectural history perspective, and it's fascinating if that's the kind of thing you want.

I'm a London-o-phile, but I haven't yet read the Rutherford book, though it's on my list. <BR> <BR>I suggest, if you have the time and inclination, to read some novels and nonfiction set or written in historical times. For example, Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe; anything by Dickens, but particularly Bleak House; Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (takes place during a day in London); Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey; Katherine by Anya Seton (set in 14th century); George Smiley books by John le Carre (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, e.g.). That's all I can think of now--but all these books give you a real flavor of the city.

There's a series available called The Traveler's Guide to ________. Can't swear to it, but I'm sure there's a version on England (although probably not specifically London). It lives up to the billing as something for travelers: reasonable length, covers cultural issues from an historical perspective, hits the appropriate high points of history. Interestingly, (although not surprising), the books are not strictly objective-- you get some point of view. But it's a good overall resource. <BR> <BR>Still, not as much fun as Rutherfurd!

Try some Dickens (p'raps 'A Tale of Two Cities') and Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), for a bit more fun reading.