In conclusion, he suggests that there is no one “London colour” but that it is all aspects of the city blending together which create its unique palette. This book would brighten up any coffee table with its vibrant front cover of London at night but it also deserves to be read from cover to cover, particularly, perhaps, on a cold winter’s day when the world may be much in need of an injection of colour. When you think of the colours of cities, perhaps it might be the caramel spires of Oxford or the orange and reds of Venice that spring to mind. London is not an immediately obvious candidate. Thoughtful, engaging, informative, well-organized and -presented--this read would be at home on any traveler (armchair or in-person), photographer, or historian's bookcase.

My Review: Gifting the Anglophile on your list is always a doddle, right? "Something about England!" the generous, but innocent, gifter thinks. "This will be a snap!" A truly invaluable book for lovers of art, history, photography or urban geography, this beautifully illustrated title tells a rich and fascinating story of the history of this great and ever-changing city. Of course, not everything about London is sunshine and daises, fun and games. We do see the challenges and hardships represented here, just as much as the city's glories--as we should. (And oh, reading about Queen Elizabeth's coronation just weeks after her passing... #feels) Even the weather comes up; inevitable, just like one cannot talk about the Pacific Northwest without talking about rain--or mist (ask me how I know :D). And yet, I felt at home in that section--not just because it was covered under my favorite color, blue, but because the PNW and England share many a common weather; the two are not so different there. West London Line: Willesden Junction, Shepherd’s Bush, Kensington (Olympia), West Brompton, Imperial Wharf, Clapham Junction. I don't think there'll ever be a coffee-table book on London I don't like. :D It's really true--I love just about all the ones I've read to date, and this is no exception!

Colors of London

This cookie, set by PubMatic, is used to build a profile of user interests and to show relevant ads. As well as lengthy discussions on one or two major topics in each chapter (for example, the Great Exhibition, the Olympics, both World Wars, the Swinging Sixties), the Author takes us on many smaller detours to discuss other important and interesting events albeit smaller in an historical sense. Some have a tenuous relationship to the chapter colour or description, nevertheless, the events, stories and images in each chapter seem to sit naturally alongside each other.

Also of great interest are the paintings of London by well-known artists, such as Monet, Turner and Whistler. Their work and thoughts recurs throughout the book. I came to think of these chapters, each devoted to a different hue, as a kind of stroll through history paying attention to specific qualities. The next chapter was another stroll but with different qualities under examination. This is quite an enjoyable read as well as an attractive book to simply look through. Combined, it makes for a wonderful experience. The book does not intend to be a fully integrated or comprehensive story of London. The Author has covered this in his previous writings. What we are presented with in this book are somewhat related chapters, each telling a couple of London stories, with illustrations, loosely related to colour or some other aspect of visual imagery. I find the book a success, capturing all the major events and issues since the mid 19th century, showing these event in colour images, providing context & meaning and mentioning changes over the years. I think anyone who has an interest in the history of London and indeed the London of today, will enjoy this book. For those fortunate enough to live in or visit London, I think the sights, sounds and views will be more meaningful, rewarding and interesting having read this book. An entire chapter is dedicated to “The Night” which chronicles the illumination of after dark London from the early 1890s when electric signs were introduced to Piccadilly Circus as London moved from gas to electric lighting, bathing the streets and buildings in a colour and light all of its own. A truly invaluable book for lovers of art, history, photography, or urban geography, this beautifully illustrated title tells a rich and fascinating story of the history of this great and ever-changing city.The cookie is set by CasaleMedia. The cookie is used to collect information about the usage behavior for targeted advertising. The book is divided into chapters, many with titles related to colour. Green, Blue, Red, Gold and so on. Other titles are more indirectly related, for example Light, Fire, Night.

The text is related to the images, which cover a selection of London’s history including culture, politics, architecture, sport, commerce and in general London as a city, over a period of some 150 years. Each chapter uses the title and a few images as a starting point for the Author’s observations, interpretations and story-telling, on a related or somewhat colour-inspired topic. In addition to the Author’s writing, he also provides contemporaneous thoughts and descriptions. These are often from newspapers, books, artists, politicians, royalty and other public figures. For example, we get to read extracts from Queen Victoria’s diary. Given her long reign, QV and her legacy crops up in several chapters. While the topics and events are generally well known, the Author somehow manages to add even more richness and depth from his interpretations, observations and opinions. And of course the images greatly assist in conveying his thoughts. His insights, knowledge and views of London’s place in the world are another aspect that makes this book such a fascinating read. We associate green with royal parks and the District Line; gold with royal carriages, the Golden Lane Estate, and the tops of monuments and cathedrals. Colours of London shows us that colour is everywhere in the city, and each one holds myriad links to its past. Watford DC Line: Euston, South Hampstead, Kilburn High Road, Queen’s Park, Kensal Green, Willesden Junction, Harlesden, Stonebridge Park, Wembley Central, North Wembley, South Kenton, Kenton, Harrow & Wealdstone, Headstone Lane, Hatch End, Carpenders Park, Bushey, Watford High Street, Watford Junction. This cookie is used to recognize the visitor upon re-entry. This cookie allows to collect information on user behaviour and allows sharing function provided by Addthis.com

The Art of Looking Up

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