UK

From its humble 13th-century origins, Liverpool grew rapidly to become the greatest port in the British Empire outside London., but (read more)

From its humble 13th-century origins, Liverpool grew rapidly to become the greatest port in the British Empire outside London., but by 1980 the city was in seemingly terminal decline: its population had more than halved, its infrastructure and economy were decaying, and its political leaders were leading the city towards complete collapse. Today, though, Liverpool is experiencing a renaissance: it has one of the fastest-growing economies in Britain, it has been a European Capital of Culture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool's proud and distinctive identity is embodied in the buildings that have shaped the city.

Liverpool in 50 Buildings explores the extraordinary history of this rich and vibrant community through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures. From the Royal Liver Building to the legendary Cavern Club and from the Tate Liverpool to Anfield, this unique study celebrates the city's architectural heritage in a new and accessible way. Well-known local author Ken Pye guides the reader on a tour of the city's historic buildings and its modern architectural marvels. (hide)

Liverpool was founded by King John in 1207 as a military base on the River Mersey. From his new town the king planned to invade Ireland, (read more)

Liverpool was founded by King John in 1207 as a military base on the River Mersey. From his new town the king planned to invade Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Heavily fortified, and defended by a great castle and a formidable tower, Liverpool was besieged and changed hands three times during the English Civil War.

Volunteer troops from the town later helped defend the region against the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745, and was then the scene of grisly executions of Scots rebels. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Liverpool developed into one of the most significant ports in the British Empire. Defences were built to fend off attacks during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. (hide)

Liverpool has gained a national and international reputation for popular music, most recently recognised in its designation as a (read more)

Liverpool has gained a national and international reputation for popular music, most recently recognised in its designation as a UNESCO City of Music. This book examines Liverpool's popular music through the history of the places where it has been performed and examines their role and significance. It explores the richness of Liverpool's live performance scene and tells a story of changing music sites, sounds and experiences.

In doing so it highlights music's contribution to the city's history and identity, and in turn shows how the city's architectural and urban form has shaped its musical life and character. The book shows how music is bound up with changes in the social, cultural and economic life of cities more generally, particularly provincial, `post-industrial' cities in the UK, Europe and US. It also highlights the significance of places that enable people to come together and collectively participate in music events. (hide)

Connecting people with places, London's distinctive Blue Plaque scheme highlights the buildings where some of the most remarkable (read more)

Connecting people with places, London's distinctive Blue Plaque scheme highlights the buildings where some of the most remarkable men and women in our history and culture have lived and worked. From Richard Burton to Karl Marx, Marie Stopes to Jimi Hendrix, this fully updated 4th edition of The London Blue Plaque Guide has over 900 entries and provides an essential companion to the famous people who have made their homes in the city. It includes updated maps and a useful list of names by profession as well as location.

As the definitive guide to the fascinating historical figures who have lived in London, it will be invaluable to residents and tourists alike. (hide)

On 4th October 1966 eleven young bus enthusiasts met in Central London to look for ways to develop their shared interest in preserving (read more)

On 4th October 1966 eleven young bus enthusiasts met in Central London to look for ways to develop their shared interest in preserving some old London buses. They couldn't know then that their meeting was the beginning of a volunteer-run organisation which would grow to a membership of around 800 owning a world-class museum. This is the London Bus Museum at Brooklands in Surrey with its unique collection of buses spanning more than a century.

This book describes the first 50 years of the London Bus Preservation Group/Trust, including the many years at its Cobham Bus Museum premises, and also shows how the London bus developed from the horse-bus through many stages to today's latest all-electric double-deckers. It's a fascinating journey through time as, indeed, are many of the stories about the vehicles in the London Bus Museum's collection.
(hide)

Features 120 bite-size ideas for things to do and places to visit in London in under an hour. Organised around the range of activities (read more)

Features 120 bite-size ideas for things to do and places to visit in London in under an hour. Organised around the range of activities London has to offer, with chapters to help you find original and diverting suggestions for things to do, as well as a few places to eat and drink. Including how to squeeze in some culture or some exercise; find the best places to buy a birthday present or go for a quick pampering; discover outdoor spaces or quiet hideaways to escape the chaos; avoid the typical al desco lunch; make the most of your mornings; and turn a spare hour in-between a meeting or at a train station into an hour well spent.

Will also include top ten lists for those really pushed for time and comprehensive indices by location and activity type to help you find what you need, quickly. Whether you're a visitor, on a family day out or a busy working Londoner, London in an Hour will transform your experience of the city.

Pub Date:17/03/2016 (hide)

Everyone is familiar with the iconic attractions of London but Saskia Graville's London Style Guide - now updated and fully revised (read more)

Everyone is familiar with the iconic attractions of London but Saskia Graville's London Style Guide - now updated and fully revised - takes readers on a journey to the heart and soul of the city, revealing the hidden and stylish places that make the capital unique and eclectic. There is an essence to London style, and you find it in the small, off-the-radar places: the one-off shops, street markets, corner pubs and local restaurants that Londoners themselves go to. These places share a certain eccentricity, quirkiness and independence of spirit, and that's what this book is all about.

London can seem big and overwhelming and there are many guide books directing you to the key trophy sights of the city. London Style Guide breaks it down by village and reveals the places the locals love. We feature some of the Londoners behind the shops, cafes and hotels, and ask them to divulge their city secrets.
(hide)

London's Docklands have a rich and varied history. Dating from the Middle Ages they developed into one of the biggest docks in the (read more)

London's Docklands have a rich and varied history. Dating from the Middle Ages they developed into one of the biggest docks in the world. The riches of Britain's Empire found its way into the country through the River Thames and into London.

Unfortunately, the people who worked and lived in London's dockland rarely shared in the riches arriving from around the world. The area around the docks was one of the poorest in the country with men working on a casual basis and often fighting other men for the few jobs available in the docks. As well as the docks the area along the Thames was also a major shipbuilding site until the early twentieth century where many of the early warships were built. (hide)

This book provides a unique perspective on the behind the scenes planning of London's Olympic legacy. The author had unprecedented (read more)

This book provides a unique perspective on the behind the scenes planning of London's Olympic legacy. The author had unprecedented access to the legacy organisations, institutions, and individuals involved with the 2012 Games. This has allowed her, in a highly accessible and engaging style, to capture a sense of the unfolding drama as attempts were made in London to harness the juggernaut of Olympic development, and its commercial imperative, to the broader cause of meaningful post-industrial regeneration in East London.

Published:29 Mar 2019 (hide)

During the week, London is the bustlingly centre of big business, with millions of people working all around the capital, but it's (read more)

During the week, London is the bustlingly centre of big business, with millions of people working all around the capital, but it's at the weekend that the city really comes alive. With London, The Weekends Start Here, explore the unrivalled range of cultural, artistic, historical and outdoor experiences this dynamic capital has to offer, with plenty of time to achieve the unexpected before another Monday morning rolls round. Perfect for Londoners and visitors alike, discover 52 themed weekends, organised by season, with over 250 interesting and quirky entries for unusual and surprising attractions.

Including all you need to know about location, transport and the best places to eat and drink. From Wild London in the spring to Nordic London in the winter and Tea Drinker's London, Quiet London, Japanese London and more in between. Multicultural and historical, urban and wild, peaceful and vibrant - there's plenty to do in London to suit your mood and interests, as well as the time of year. (hide)