Discover one of Europe's most historic cities through 30 dramatic true stories spanning 2,000 years of British history. From the bloody rebellion of Boudica to the modern monarchy, and from Shakespeare to the Sex Pistols, Kevin Jackson leads 9 walking tours following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror, Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, Queen Elizabeth and the other leaders, dreamers and schemers who shaped the England's capital. The fifth title in Museyon's acclaimed "Chronicles" series, 'Chronicles of Old London: Exploring England's Historic Capital' is enjoyable for history buffs, Londoners and London tourists alike. It includes: ? 30 meticulously researched stories including dramatic episodes from the lives of Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, The Beatles and many, many, more ? 8 walking tours visiting major landmarks and historical sites including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Alley, Piccadilly Circus, King's Road and the London Eye ? Famous (and infamous) tales of the gruesome martyrdom of Thomas Beckett, Black Plague, the Tower of London and the murderous streak of Jack the Ripper ? 450 + photographs and illustrations of London past and present ? 20 detailed maps AUTHOR: Kevin Jackson compiled The Oxford Book of Money, wrote Invisible Forms, A Guide to Literary Curiosities, a book on the Great Pyramid, a number of books on the cinema, one on the moose, another on vampires and yet another on fast food in Britain. He was associate arts editor of the Independent, one of the big British daily papers, and film critic for the Independent on Sunday. REVIEW: Another in Museyon's "Chronicles" series (Chronicles of Old New York), in this book London writer Jackson provides 30 stories of the city, starting with Boudicca's revolt around 60 C.E. and ending with Prince William's marriage in the present day. These vignettes cover a variety of historical and cultural figures from the Sex Pistols to Bloody Mary. In addition to the historical sketches, the volume presents nine walking tours with maps, photographs, and descriptions of sights along the way. Photographs and illustrations are numerous (over 450) and provide a visual backdrop that further highlights the content. There are no listings of places to stay or information on museum hours; this title is best as a supplement to a traditional guide. The numerous detailed neighborhood maps in the walking tours section will be especially useful. Verdict : A helpful and pleasant read for travelers looking for historical background and a few walking tours for a London trip. Interesting and fun to read, the book mixes light history with contemporary details.?Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ. Libs., Fort Collins 450 photographs MUSEYON GUIDES CHRONICLES SERIES 9780984633449 Chronicles of Old Rome: Exploring Italy's Eternal City 9780984633401 Chronicles of Old Boston: Exploring New England's Historic Capital 9780984633487 Chronicles of Old Chicago: Exploring the History and Lore of the Windy City 9780984633418 Chronicles of Old Las Vegas: Exposing Sin City's High-Stakes History 9780984633432 Chronicles of Old London: Exploring Historic Neighborhoods 9780982232064 Chronicles of Old New York: Exploring Manhatten's Landmark Neighbors 9780984633425 Chronicles of Old Paris: Exploring the Historic City of Light
