1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. London Travel

Spectacular Vernacular

About.com Rating 4.5

By Laura Porter, About.com

Spectacular Vernacular book by David Long© David Long
The Bottom Line
Spectacular Vernacular by David Long focuses on London's 100 most extraordinary buildings.
Pros
  • Each building gets a double page spread with a full page photo
  • Excellent author who really knows about London
Cons
  • Only black and white photographs
  • Too heavy to carry around London
Description
Guide Review - Spectacular Vernacular
Do you think you know London? Let David Long show you how much you've missed. I really enjoy reading Long's books as he has a true talent for giving you so many facts without making it feel like you're reading an encyclopedia.

How does he know so much about London? I can only surmise he adores discovering new facts about London as much as I do. It's the level of research that is commendable, then coupled with Long's quirky anecdotal writing style makes this book hard to put down.

The 100 London buildings are divided into 10 chapters with architectural themes such as castles, monuments, and the arts. The buildings are across central London and the suburbs which makes this book ideal for visitors and Londoners alike.

As an aside, I was impressed to see the book is printed and bound in the UK which justifies the slightly higher price to me.

Have you ever noticed the world's smallest police station in Trafalgar Square? Me neither and I'm there nearly every week! How many more hidden treasures have we walked past? Long's book will inspire you to get out again and explore. My copy is now full of bookmarks of places I want to see.

This is a great coffee table book but also a great bedtime book as it's so easy to dip into. Buy a copy as a gift but remember to order two copies as you'll find it hard to give away.

User Reviews Write Review
Explore London Travel
About.com Special Features

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. London Travel
  4. Planning Your Trip
  5. Book and DVD Reviews
  6. Spectacular Vernacular Book Review - London's 100 Most Extraordinary Buildings - Spectacular Vernacular>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.