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London: A Short History of the Greatest City in the Western World

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London: A Short History of the Greatest City in the Western World

By: Robert Bucholz, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Robert Bucholz
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About this listen

No city has had as powerful and as enduring an impact on Western civilization as London. But what made the city the perfect environment for so many great developments? How did London endure the sweeping historical revolutions and disasters without crumbling? Find the answers to these questions and more in these 24 fascinating lectures.

Professor Bucholz takes you through the history of this magnificent metropolis, from its birth as an ancient Roman outpost to its current status as a global village. You'll study the many epic chapters in British and world history - including the English Renaissance, the turmoil of the English civil war, and the epic conflicts of World Wars I and II - through the lens of this amazing capital.

What makes the course unique is that it takes you deep into the streets of London during formative periods in its history. Professor Bucholz continuously emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the sights and sounds of London as it was lived by its residents. You'll come to know what daily life was like in historical London, learning the secret histories behind places such as Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, and London Bridge.

This unforgettable look at an unforgettable city will undoubtedly delight and surprise you. By the final lecture, you'll come to realize just what Samuel Johnson meant when he famously declared, "there is in London, all that life can afford."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses
Europe England

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Editor reviews

Profoundly detailed and riveting in its delivery, London: A Short History of the Greatest City in the Western World is a series of essential lectures by The Great Courses and narrated by Professor Robert Bucholz. This historical audiobook gives a wholly informative look at the history, culture, noteworthy figures and influence this vast city has had. From the very beginnings of tribal inhabitants to the sprawling metropolis it is today, in this book Bucholz paints a wonderfully accurate picture of London through the ages. A necessary component to a historical audio library. Available now from Audible.
All stars
Most relevant
Professor Bucholz is a very skilled writer. His course on London manages to orchestrate many of the political, social and cultural narratives that have made the city what it is today. In doing so, he develops themes that run throughout the course. Particularly appreciated were his regular walking tours across the city at particular moments in time. His annunciation is excellent and deserves much credit, for it engages and charms the listener. His decision to conclude on personal experiences and interesting quotations worked very well. Bravo!

Despite all the much deserved praise, having tuned in to so many of The Great Courses, I refrained from awarding a 5* review. I would have appreciated a free speech. It is obvious that Prof. Bucholz read a script, which was fine, but learning more Text by heart would have enabled an even more didactic approach to conveying the complex history of London. I also would have appreciated more of the wider historical narratives, allowing Bucholz to contribute further of his scholarly perspectives, rather than merely retelling what Wikipedia could tell us as well. Finally, I would have welcomed more of the 'why does London look the way it does', i.e. urban development. Too much time went with a retelling of English history. While English history is not easily divorced from London history, I would have preferred a clearer division, especially seeing that Bucholz offers separate courses on English history. Whenever urban development was addressed, for example regarding the influence of the Russell family, one desired more of it. What about the Bedford dynasty and the Dukes of Westminster. More behind-the-scenes kind-of stories that help to understand the fabric of the city would have been wonderful.

These criticisms should not stop those interested in London to tune in. There's much on offer that justifies the purchase.

My compliments.

Wonderful Introduction

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Would you consider the audio edition of London: A Short History of the Greatest City in the Western World to be better than the print version?

Because I don't live in the UK and it's more complicated to me to buy books. At the same time, English is not my first language. In fact, my English is not so good. So with an audiobook I can improve my English skills at the same time I learn about the London history.

What other book might you compare London: A Short History of the Greatest City in the Western World to, and why?

Perhaps the Diary of Samuel Pepys. Anyway, it's the first book I read about the English History. But I intend to read the Samuel Pepys diary in the future.

What does Professor Robert Bucholz bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Perhaps the Diary of Samuel Pepys. But this book (about London) was the first book that I read about the English History. Anyway I intend to read the Samuel Pepys diary in the future.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The History of London is a constant report about reinvention and rebuilding of a city by its population.

Any additional comments?

I don't have any additional comments except my apologies for my bad English and my testimony about the quality and the persistence of the extraordinary English radio tradition.

improving my English skills...

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The book was good and had lots of detail. It came from a different perspective than most
London history books. I particularly liked the personal story he told at the end of being here for Diana’s death

Nice overview

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What did you like most about London: A Short History of the Greatest City in the Western World?

This book cover a vast period in London's history, yet still manages to go into great detail. A fascinating and educational read / listen if you like history. I will definitely be listening to a lot more in this series.

Fascinating & Eductional

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Another great lecture in the series, fascinating listening to places we travel to didn’t realise the history as we passed by well read and extremely well researched

Another great lecture in the series

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