The City on the Thames by Simon Jenkins

The City on the Thames by Simon Jenkins

London: a settlement founded by the Romans, occupied by the Saxons, conquered by the Danes, and ruled by the Normans. This transformative place became a medieval maze of alleys and courtyards, later to be checkered with grand estates of Georgian splendor. It swelled with industry and became the center of the largest empire in history. And having risen 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. He masterfully explains the battles that determined how London was conceived and built-and especially the perennial conflict between money and power.

Based in part on his experiences of and involvement in the events that shaped the post-war city, and with his trademark color and authority, Simon Jenkins shows above all how London has taken shape over more than two thousand years. Fascinating for locals and visitors alike, this is narrative history at its finest, from the most ardent protector of British heritage.

Simon Jenkins is the author of Britain's 100 Best Railway Stations, A Brief History of England, England's Thousand Best Churches, and England's Thousand Best Homes, all of which have been bestsellers. He was previously the editor of the Evening Standard and The Times, as well as a columnist for The Guardian and the Evening Standard. He was a founding member of SAVE Britain's Heritage and headed the revision of the Pevsner guides from 1994 to 2011. He has also served as deputy chairman of English Heritage and chairman of the National Trust. He formed the Railway Heritage Trust and has served on the British Rail and London Transport boards of directors. He splits his time between London and Aberdyfi.