The Spirit of London

A reissue of a truly classic title on the Batsford backlist. First published in 1935, it is a wonderful snapshot of our capital before the Second World War, and a charming insight into our attitudes to urban life back in the Thirties. Our posh guide Cohen-Portheim offers us his interpretation of life in London through her people, her buildings and her history.

The chapters include:

Towns within

Town Streets and their Life

Green London

London and the Arts

London Amusements and Night Life

Hotels and Restaurants

Traditional London

London and the British

London and the Foreigner (surprisingly liberal!)

It includes the iconic Brian Cook cover illustration of Ludgate Circus and St Pauls, and should be sought after for that alone. Add in the charm of the authentic voice of a 1930s Londoner, it should be enjoyed by all Londoners.