An extraordinary city, London grew from a backwater in the Classical Age into an important medieval city and significant Renaissance urban center to a modern colossus--full of a free people ever evolving. Roy Porter touches the pulse of his hometown and makes it our own, capturing London's fortunes, people, and imperial glory with vigor and wit. 58 photos.

From Abbey Road to Yeading Brook and Garlick Hill to Puddle Dock, this new authoritative and absorbing dictionary covers over 1,700 names of streets, places, and areas of Greater London. Here, readers can discover the linguistic and historical origins of these place names and their significance, following the development of the city from pre-Celtic times to the present day. This is an excellent reference guide for local historians and is fascinating reading for both Londoners and visitors to the city.

A unique gazetteer that clearly explains the fascinating origins and meanings behind the names of over 1,700 places, streets, and areas within the English capital, including the Greater London Boroughs. It also features maps, an extended introduction on the development of these place-names, a detailed glossary, and recommended web links.

In Swan Peter Young explores this animal's surprisingly complex natural history, as well as giving equal treatment to the long and rich role of the swan in human culture, from the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan to the bird’s portrayal in sculpture, furniture, and brand name logos.