Illustrated with maps, archive photographs and paintings, as well as original sketches by Farrell, the book provides a vibrant and intriguing collage of London's patterns and its history. It gives an account that stretches from the verdant banks of the Thames at Richmond and Kew to London Docklands and the heavily industrialised Thames Estuary, taking in some of London's best known landmarks and sights. it also suggests ways of observing and learning from London today that are key to understanding how the capital might grow and change in the future.

'The most important and inspirational London book of the decade. it offers a physical description of the city that is both a perceptive analysis of its past and a vision for the future.' - Dan Cruickshank

'Rare among today's architects and planners, Terry Farrell really understands the texture of London. His eye misses nothing, from kerbstones, traffic Islands, walls and trees to a realistic vision of the city as a whole.' - Simon Jenkins

'Terry Farrell has produced a first-class combination of historical insight, geographical observation and infrastructure analysis - the distilled thoughts of a true urbanist. Essential reading for anyone engaged in adding to London's built environment, and a wonderfully illustrated story for more general readers.' - Paul Finch, Chair, Commission for Architecture and the Build Environment (CABE)