London is big and can be baffling, but don't worry if you don't know a
buskin from a firkin. This is the book to put you right - how to read up
in advance, how to get there, settle in and keep safe on the streets,
how to meet the people and find out the famous. Saunter over London
Bridge with its dozens of shops and houses. Wonder at Whitehall,
Europe's largest palace. Revere the tombs of kings in Westminster Abbey.
Tour the Tower of London - an archive, armoury, mint, menagerie, prison
and jewel house all in one building. Watch the finest plays and players
at the Rose Theatre and marvel at the bustle of business in the Royal
Exchange. Go down to Greenwich to stand on the deck of the Golden Hind,
the ship that sailed round the world.
London is the magnet for the talents of a nation stirring to greatness.
Shakespeare bestrides the stage. At Elizabeth's dazzling court Ralegh
and Essex are rivals for her favour. From the shadows Dr Dee,
mathematician and magician, proffers secret counsel to the Queen.
T&H picture researchers Sally Paley and Alice Foster won the
Longman-History Today award 2010 for Historical Picture Researcher of
the Year for their work on Shakespeare's London on 5 Groats a Day.