The London Encyclopaedia

One important point is that it is big and heavy, not really what I would describe as portable, and it is structured as a reference work. What I am saying is that this book is not a tourist/visitor guide, but really an encyclopaedia.

This book has given me many hours of fun, and much knowledge. I agree with the idea of making it compulsory that every taxi should have one. If you want to learn about London, then this is for you.


A very useful and enjoyable reference book   December 19, 2000
inwood@cableinet.co.uk (London)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful reference book, and deserves its great success. Anyone wanting to know about a particular street or building will find the information they need here. The reviewer who says it contains many serious mistakes needs to give some examples. I have found it reliable and trustworthy, as well as enjoyable to read.


A fantastic resource   July 15, 2003
M. Bennett (London)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I was amazed to find this book. It details lots of things about London that you didn't know you wanted to know!

Although I understand that not everyone can cope with London I find it a wonderful place to live. This book enhances the experience enabling one to find out trivial facts about places and areas of London. The one disadvantage is the inability to go back in time to look at how things would have been when you find some fascinating fact!


A much anticipated update does not disappoint   August 13, 2008
P. A. Alford (Fakenham, Norfolk United Kingdom)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

as a Londoner who bought the original edition back in the 80's, my original copy is well thumbed and has brought me many hours of pleasure exploring the origins and history of a great capital city.

This much anticipated third revision does not disappoint and if anyone wants to invest in a book about London that you can keep forever and return to it again and again and gain knowledge, information and pleasure then this is the one to invest in.


The best just got better   August 26, 2008
Dilberto (Deepest Darkest Central London)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

The old 'Weinreb' was the best single-volume reference book on London, despite a few minor but still niggling errors. Happily most of these have been pulled out, the book's been expanded with more entries and even better illustration, and I had no hesitation whatever in grabbing a copy as soon as it went on sale. There's nothing to touch it, frankly: magnificent, endlessly fascinating, and outstanding value even before the discount. My 'Desert Island Discs' read, as indeed it's been for the last 25 years.