London's Underground: The Story of the Tube

Product Information

They will love it for its photographs which are to a very high standard, the book's design and the well written short histories of lost parts of the London underground transport empire. Published by Yale University Press, my quibbles over a typo and some minor editorial lapses may be passed over. The History of the London Underground Map takes you through a very accessible history of the London Underground, in addition to the development of its iconic map. This book is an essential addition to anyone interested in the development of London's Underground system and its famous map. NetGalley, David Styles This is a very special book which not only looks at the history of the London Underground Map but also gives much more interesting details of the London Underground in general. Written in a very easy readable style, Caroline Roope leaves no stone unturned in her research which looks at the notorious rivalry between Sir Edward Watkin (Chairman of the Metropolitan Railway) and James Staats Forbes (Chairman of the Metropolitan District Railway) amongst many other notable personalities of the day.

A fascinating book, likely to be of interest to anyone travelling on the London Underground. The history and information in this book will enrich passengers journeys and cause some reflection or admiration for how it came to be. And where it may go in the future. I wish the author and publishers all the very best with this wonderful, engaging and informative book. NetGalley, Lachlan FinlaysonThe book begins with a heartfelt introduction to the London Underground and the magic it provides; a passenger may travel and emerge somewhere new and not quite know exactly how far, or where, indeed by what means they have travelled. The Map of course is the ever-present aid; a trusty companion to London travel, representing 150 years of design, engineering, expansion and so much more.

Highlight: 'This is a great reference work on a subject that I certainly never realised had such a big story behind it.' Railways Illustrated The plot opens in present day London where Inspector Sherwood Peets and his partner not only uncover the remains of two women in a maintenance tunnel but are given a warning by a homeless and dirty young woman who vanishes in the darkness as Carmen Kingsley in charge of London projects at the British Museum and her friend Julia stumble on piles of dead and dying rats, discovering the remains of a rat Exterminator. Joining forces to unearth the truth behind their mysterious discoveries as the rodents escape from their underground haven into the city spreading the age- old disease, Sherwood and Carmen uncover government secrets and a coverup as well as evidence of a genetically enhanced species that threatens not just London but the British Isles. If you read the book through, you will be able to put the bits of a puzzle into a jigsaw and have a better of idea of London's development than you might from other more plodding and academic chronological surveys. There are ten primary locations and themes covered. I write this review having only ever been on the London Underground once in my life, and yet I have always found it to be fascinating if not mesmerising transport system. When you don’t come from an underground transport system area, it always staggering the layout and construction of something so huge, yet you can’t really see most of it. This is a really well laid out and researched book by the author Caroline Roops who has combined history and detail with modern-day details that will engage the reader. The book even explains a number of disputes amongst officials of the underground system, who wanted things their way against other people's opinions. I loved all the different little stories throughout the book which helped give a story and character to the various parts of the underground. This is a fascinating book and very well worth the read by an author who has done a great job in writing it.

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Like the Dog show I judge each story by what it is. I don't compare metaphorical Basset hounds agianst poodles. if it weren't for the ending this might have been ranked higher. The world's first underground railway, the Metropolitan Railway, which opened in 1863, is now part of the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines; the first line to operate underground electric traction trains, the City & South London Railway in 1890, is now part of the Northern line. The network has expanded to 11 lines, and in 2014-15 carried 1.305 billion passengers, making it the world's 11th busiest metro system. An exploration of the abandoned tributaries of London’s vast and vital transportation network through breathtaking images and unexpected stories

Bringing the story to life are intriguing and compelling characters like Inspector Sherwood Peets, the quiet thinker who’s lonely after an unsavory divorce and the independent Carmen Kingsley a stubborn, compulsive and intense academic who’s sensitive to stimuli because of Asperger’s. These characters and others infuse the story with excitement, depth and energy.

It is sobering to note that the Government gave up on deep shelter strategies for the population almost immediately after the first nuclear bombs were demonstrated because no place inside London would be safe from their effects. Worth noting in the age of sabre-rattling over Ukraine.