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Summary: A century from now it will be a classic .
Review: London is the greatest book I've ever read! A century from now I'm sure it will be a classic of great literature - right up there with all the great old masters - Austen , the Brontes , Dumas , etc. Rutherford must have painstakingly researched English histiry and the particular history of the capital in order to give an accurate presentation of life in London from Celtic times through the time of the Tudors to WWII.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable way to experience the flow of London history
Review: This was a fun and enjoyable book to read over my holiday break (10 days or so, although I suppose had I not had a large chunk of time to read it, it might have dragged a bit.) The best aspect of this book for me was that it was such a terrific way to get a whole picture of England's history, particularly that of London, through lively characters and compelling narration. I have visited England before and thought I had a good comprehension of its history, but this novel really brought continuity and flow as well as fascinating bits of new information to my understanding of it. A definitely good read for history buffs and Anglophiles. Made me want to visit London again and read even more English history!I was a bit disappointed about the lack of emphasis on the most recent of history, but I suppose the global- rather than merely local-reaching events (e.g. -- colonization) of recent British history may have been a reason why in his novel Rutherford decides to deemphasize their importance to London, herself (or perhaps scares him off from really doing recent London history justice. Maybe two volumes would have been better.) Characters weren't extremely developed either, but I was more interested in their use to illustrate Lady London's fascinating tale. Also, trying to keep all the family histories straight was trying, and I wish there had been even more maps and more detail to them. Nevertheless, well attempted!
Rating: 
Summary: Now I finally understand...
Review: As a student who's lived in the United Kingdom, I've taken loads of history courses on Britain without understanding one iota of it. Thanks to Rutherford, I finally do. Rutherford takes the great events of English history, focuses them in London (one could say the two are inseparable) and forges a cast of engaging characters the readers learn to care about. Loved the progression from ancient to modern times - well done indeed! As a student of history, I've always thought that history comes alive when we understand the daily lives and culture of various periods we study. I haven't read a more compelling novel rich in history since Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth." I highly recommend it to anybody who's interested in England or interesting in traveling there.
Rating:
Summary: The most engaging historical novel I've ever have read!
Review: I've been in London many times during the years, and enjoyed it. But now I'll see it with a more interesting angle. I looking forward to my next visit.
Rating:
Summary: Now I want to visit London!
Review: Roll over, James Michener! Edward Rutherfurd has written an engaging historical novel about a great city. His characters are interesting and it's always fun to see them interact with Chaucer, Shakespeare, Henry VIII etc. Don't be put off by the length; this is definitely a page-turner. Now I want to read more about London, and to visit.
Rating: 
Summary: Average
Review: As an ex-pat Londoner I was interested to read this book, if only for nostalgic reasons. As a look at the development of the city it could have been quite interesting. However, I found the extremely brief glimpses into what were essentially flat characters lives very irritating. Especially hard to swallow was the repeated interaction of two or three family lines with the great figures of history, I mean Chaucer as godfather?? I finally gave up when Shakespeare entered the picture. It was just too much. To encompass the entire rich and varied history of a city such as London is a massive task, one not satisfactorily completed here. I'm not sure that it could be done.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazing accoplishment!
Review: A wonderful presentation of London's history through the lives of complex and intriguing characters. Through the ages the story of London grows with the exitement and interest of the reader. A beautiful book.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT BOOK IF YOU LOVE LONDON
Review: As a latin american that loves London, Rutherfurd4s book was a fantastic way of reviewing the history of one of the greatest cities on earth. The style of the book is wonderfull and the fact that is divided in short chapters for each period of english history makes it really fun and easy to read. It can be recommended to almost any reader; even to one that is not used to read in english, like my self.
Rating:
Summary: enlightening
Review: As a lover of historical novels, I can say that this one makes the muddle of British history very clear. I loved it. It was very long, but well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: An Anglophiles Dream
Review: I loved this book! Yes, it's quite long; and yes, the many chapters don't allow you to really get to know the characters, but...for lovers of British History, or lovers of anything English, this book is for you. My favorite character is Osric; I loved him and his escapades. I loved his ingenious means of revenge! Half way through this book I looked up and realized two weeks had gone by. Don't start this book if you have to stop. Only start this book if you enjoy tons of British History. London is the star of this novel. I hope the author writes a sequel and covers more of the modern history.
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