A History of London in 50 Lives is another title by London historian, writer and journalist David Long who really knows his subject.

In this title he has chosen to look at the people who have shaped the city with some familiar names but plenty more obscure characters who deserve to be remembered such as Queen Victoria's rat catcher.

This is a unique way to look at the city's history and there's plenty here for those who really know London well already.

(Yes, I did learn plenty of new facts from this book!)

I've said it before, I'm a fan of David Long's books and have read and reviewed a fair few already. He has a way of bringing history to life with links to today while highlighting plenty of hidden gems.

(See the end of this review for links to more David Long books.)

A History of London in 50 Lives partners well with A History of London in 100 Places.

• Paperback: 240 pages
  
• Publisher: Oneworld (2015)
  
• Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.7 x 2 cm
  

Neighborhoods

The book divides the lives into areas of London and brings us from the sixteenth century to the present day. Not all of the lives are human as you will read about a gorilla, a parrot and a ghost too.

Some of Those Stories

Looking at London's history through the eyes of some of the most famous and infamous inhabitants is a unique idea. The ten chapters tell the stories of criminals, politicians, inventors and more.

I didn't know Napoleon lived his final years in England and was buried in England.

But I did know about a little known character connected to 19 Princelet Street.

The author's knowledge of bizarre trivia includes the fact the sculptor of the effigy of Handel at Westminster Abbey thought the classical composer's ears unacceptable so modeled them in a young lady friend's.

Did you know Samuel Johnson had Tourette's Syndrome? And did Charles Darwin really support the theory of "survival of the fittest"? It seems not, nor is there evidence that this was something he ever said.

I discovered that Henry Wellcome's extraordinary legacy is so much more than just The Wellcome Collection or The Wellcome Wing at The Science Museum. And how the 108 carat Koh-I-Noor diamond is now owned by The Queen and on display with The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

I now know why The Ashmolean in Oxford has such an incredible collection but where some of the private collection can still be seen in London.

There's also a Bond girl prototype, a 19th century notorious prostitute I had never heard of, and a spy who is still alive.

Conclusion

This book is wonderfully readable and the mini-biographies have all the facts and plenty of wit. This well-priced paperback book is delightfully engaging, as well as being highly informative.

More Reviews of Books by David Long

• A History of London in 100 Places
• London Underground
• Hidden City
• Little Book of London
• Spectacular Vernacular
• Tunnels Towers & Temples

 

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.