I bought this book a couple of years ago at the Westminster Abbey gift shop, not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. The book is good and I definitely will take it with me when I go to London again to find new places. It explains everything from the phrase "Robbing Peter to pay Paul," a empty shell row house to cover an underground tunnel (between livable homes) and how the Dutch get a pass from paying tariffs because they continued to ship through the plague (a long promise). My favorite bit is the story behind Grosvenor Square and the American embassy (something to do with one of Prince George's Godfathers). FYI Lawyers have A LOT of sway in this town. This is a great occasional 'pick up and read a few shorts' type of book that clearly demonstrates that English eccentricity has not been diluted over the centuries. In fact, Londoners especially seems to thrive on their own eccentricities. You get to hear true tales about everything from royalty's humourous perspectives down to the poorest of the poor's amazing ability to get a penny in their pocket. Scattered throughout the book are several 'must see' places in London from entirely a different viewpoint than what the guidebooks will tell you!
Super fun read! Really only reading a page every now and then, but enjoying it none-the-less. :)
—kristyrae
Simply awesome. I now have a great list of odd places in London that I need to visit.
—omolknip
I think I can't give this book any more chances. It bores me to death.
—Dan
Book 04/2011.
—1234
