London: A History in Maps

Over the past 2000 years, London has developed from a small town, fitting snugly within its walls, into one of the world#&39;s largest and most dynamic cities. London: A History in Maps illustrates and helps to explain the transformation using over 400 examples of maps. Side-by-side with the great, semi-official, but sanitized images of the whole city, there are the more utilitarian maps and plans of the parts—actual and envisaged—which perhaps present more than topographical records. They all have something unique to say about the time when they were created. Peter Barber#&39;s book reveals the "inside story" behind one of the world#&39;s greatest cities.

"These maps are more than mere topographical records – they reflect the concerns of their times, charting the geography of the city but also its politics and 2,000 years of social history."  —Times

"A coffee table book that deserves to be read and studied. . . beautiful and engaging."  —New York Journal of Books

"A must for every lover of maps, urban historian or smart coffee table books."  —Museums & Heritage Magazine

"Tells the story of the metropolis through the works of the cartographers who captured it over the centuries."  —Guardian

"Beautifully produced, this is a unique look at 2000 years of history containing more than 400 full-page illustrations."  —Good Book Guide

Peter Barber is Head of Map Collections at the British Library. His many books include The Map Book and (with Tom Harper) Magnificent Maps: Power, Propaganda and Art.