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A Short History of London

The Creation of a World Capital. Discover the perfect history gift for readers who love the city!

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A Short History of London

By: Simon Jenkins
Narrated by: Anthony Howell
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£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

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Brought to you by Penguin.

LONDON: a settlement founded by the Romans, occupied by the Saxons, conquered by the Danes and ruled by the Normans. This unremarkable place - not even included in the Domesday Book - became a medieval maze of alleys and courtyards, later to be chequered with grand estates of Georgian splendour. It swelled with industry and became the centre of the largest empire in history. And rising from the rubble of the Blitz, it is now one of the greatest cities in the world.

From the prehistoric occupants of the Thames valley to the preoccupied commuters of today, Simon Jenkins brings together the key events, individuals and trends in London's history to create a matchless portrait of the capital. Based in part on his own witness of the events that shaped the post-war city, and with his trademark colour and authority, he shows above all how London has taken shape over more than two thousand years. This is narrative history at its finest, from the most ardent protector of our heritage.

 Europe Great Britain England Middle Ages War United Kingdom
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Critic reviews

Fascinating and timely. Truly the story of the fabric we see before us. Required reading for every developer, planner or councillor who holds London in trust today (Griff Rhys Jones)
Jenkins's handling of the preceding two millennia is clear and informative . . . there are also nuggets and insights . . . accessible, clear and readable (Rowan Moore)
Simon Jenkins has written a vivid and deeply well-informed account of London's history which is throughout much enlivened by his knowledge of London's planning, buildings and topography, his admiration for terrace housing and London squares, his interest in how London has been depicted and described, and his detestation of so much insensitive modern development
Extremely informative and witty
'He [Jenkins] brings much knowledge and experience to his defence of those streets, in this study of the battle for "London's appearance - why it looks as it does today, more variegated and visually anarchic than any comparable city" (Christopher Howse)
A handsome book ... full of the good judgements one might hope for from such a sensible and readable commentator, and they alone are worth perusing for pleasure and food for thought
Any passably cultured inhabitant of the British Isles should ask for, say, three or four copies of this book for Christmas...I can imagine no better companion on a voyage across England
A short, invigorating gallop over two and a half thousand years
Simon Jenkins has written a remarkably brisk, vivid and deeply well-informed account of London's history which is throughout much enlivened by his knowledge of London's planning, buildings and topography, his admiration for terrace housing and London squares, his interest in how London has been depicted and described, and his detestation of so much insensitive modern development
'I decided I'd reduce the height of a pile of recommended books by actually reading some of them. Thus I sampled the delights of Simon Jenkins's A Short History of London (Sue MacGregor, broadcaster)
All stars
Most relevant
A well written and researched book, full of interesting facts about the history of London and it's environment.
The narrator was truly splendid, enhancing the content marvellously.

Interesting.

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I have found myself both returning to and quoting from this book as I walk the streets of a London. I have long felt like a tourist in this river full city, now I’m a better informed one.

Excellent - another tour de force

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Such an interesting book - ruined by the weird intonation and style of the narrator. Speaks in a monotonous repetitive pace, as if put through a computerised voice machine.

Dreadful narration

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Well read and a well put together account of London with incredible stories and detail. Some icons received less or no attention such as Tower Bridge, the Royal Albert hall, the post office tower, recent monarchy etc. Enjoyable history lesson nevertheless and lots of focus on politics and architecture which has indeed made London the best city in the world.

Overall very fascinating and insightful

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I found this audio book very well narrated and giving a very good history lesson on London.
My personal opinion of London whenever I've been there is that I'm glad to come back to West Yorkshire.
We had our urban renewal thanks to John Paulson and his henchmen who total destroyed some Victorian terraces for a massive, ugly, block of flats, when the terraces could have been renovated for first time buyers of permanent residency.
What is described in this audio in the later stages is one of greed and poor planning, egged on by ambitious mayors'.
The life style in London seems to me to be one of great fun, balanced by great crime due to the stabbing frenzy reported virtually every week.
Keep the capital city to those wishing to live there. No place in my life for 'Stab City'.
I know quite a few couples who have moved to our town's new build detached and semi-final detached housing, and apart from the colosall profits they have made, selling up and coming North, they feel free of the London rush and push.
Good audio

A very good book to prevent the plans going there

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