This illustrated volume celebrates London's history and present, providing a record of its architecture. Starting with the River Thames, each succeeding chapter explores an area of London, following its chronological development from the ancient city, to old central areas, such as Bloomsbury and Chelsea, out to Chiswick in the west and Hampstead in the north, returning finally to revitalized areas on the river's south bank. The text highlights the spirit of each area through its history and the essence of life there today. The diversity of the locations featured reflect the photographer's and author's knowledge of the city and its architecture. Quotations from familiar diarists, poets and chroniclers, such as Pepys, Wordsworth and Dickens, are included.