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The Spirit of London

Written ‘to convey the atmosphere and spirit of London’ in the late 1930s, Paul Cohen-Portheim’s classic account of the city spans its street life and parks as well as its art, amusements and traditions. Revealing a sense of character and many scenes that remain recognizable, this facsimile edition includes the 140 black and white photographs the author considered important to convey his impression of the capital.
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RRP £9.99

£5.99

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Product information:
  • Publisher: Batsford
  • Year: 2021
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 130pp
  • Illustrated: Yes
  • Dimensions: 220x140mm
  • ISBN: 9781849945479
  • Condition: New
  • Weight: 0.4kg
Product code:
534336
Product information
Full publisher description
A new edition of a classic Batsford title from the 1930s.

London is brought to life through its people, buildings and history in this classic book, first published in 1935. The Spirit of London presents a wonderful snapshot of our capital before World War II and a charming insight into urban life in the 1930s.

Paul Cohen-Portheim was an Austrian traveller and writer who was interned in the UK during World War I. His enforced stay made him fall in love with England and in particular, London. This is his take on the irrepressible city.

Chapters include: Towns Within, Town Streets and their Life, Green London, London Amusements and Night Life, Traditional London, London and the British and London and the Foreigner.

The book features Brian Cook's iconic illustration of Ludgate Circus and St Paul's on the cover. Add in the charm of the authentic voice of a 1930s Londoner, this book should be enjoyed by all Londoners and London enthusiasts.
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