An Alphabet of London

From Abbey Road, Achilles and Albert to, Zeppelin, Zhiming and Zimbabwe House

An alphabet of London is a quirky new book taking us on an alphabet tour of London by way of lino cuts created by artist Christopher Brown. Not only do we see the London he grew up in and loves so dearly with his whimsical prints, he also takes us step by step through the process of his craft.

A perfect gift available from Merrell Publishers.

Cecil Court

What a treasure this little alley is. In thre middle of theatre land, linking Charing Cross and St Martin's Lane. Antiquarian Book Store, original cartoons, rare maps, so much to keep you browsing for hours.
Cecil Court was laid out in the 17th century, named after Robert Cecil the first earl of Sailsbury a spymaster, a scretary of state for Elizabeth I and James I.
A very small street but packed with history, it was the address of W.A. Mozart and his family. Other long term residents include T.S. Eliot and actors Ellen Terry and John Gielgud.
Films, books, politics, Cecil Court has played an important role in them all.
The street is still owned by the Cecil family, and the buildings you see now date from the 1894 improvements.

Nik the Vampire Bat

London has it all, vampire bats, ghosts, magic and these can all be found in London's oldest occult bookshop. The Atlantis bookshop in Bloomsbury has been around for 90 years weaving their spells and magic.

Never Be Bored in London

Just released by Tired of London Tired of Life the book from the blog of the same name. Tom takes you on a new adventure every day in London. This is not just another book with the same old tourist attractions. Tom said "I set myself a challenge to discover new things to do, and secretly began to form my own collection of hidden delights". Now Tom is sharing these delights with all of us, like for example "sit on the bench that ended slavery", touch a meteorite, and follow it up with a drink in a Victorian Gin Palace".
This is a book for anyone who wants to see more than just the usual sites of London - visitors and Londoners alike.
I was lucky enough to grab the very last copy at the launch last night. Make sure you grab your copy here before they all race out the door .

Reading Room

Most book shops don't encourage reading before you buy but the Victoria and Albert Museum bookshop in Thurloe Place combined with a wine bar encourages you to read the quality books with glass of wine or cup of coffee in the intimate rooms with high ceilings and floor to ceiling bookshelves.

Walk the Lines

I've just started reading Walk the Lines by Mark Mason. The book covers his adventurous journey above ground following each of the 11 tube lines, covering 269 stations, 403 miles, 912,384 footsteps, and finishes with a very battered pair of trainers.

He begins this amazing trek with the Victoria line. I thought I'd read this book in a few hours. One chapter in and I realise I'm going to have this book in my bag for months. No, not because I am a slow reader, but because already I can see not only will it be a great read but a wondeful reference book to have on hand on my travels. One chapter of Mark's adventures and already I want to trace his footsteps through places you won't find in any guide book. Better gossip than the red tops (trashy newspapers). History that isn't stuffy. If you want the real London then this book is a 'must read'.


Follow Mark on twitter.

Book Market

Browsing old books at Southbank