London A to Z

A charmingly idiosyncratic A-Z of London in coronation year, first published in 1953 and now reissued with its original cover and illustrations by Edward Bawden.

First published in 1953, the year that saw thousands descend on London to watch the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, London A to Z is a lexicon of the city's curiosities, from the Achilles statue in Hyde Park 'erected by the women of England to honour (if not to resemble) the Duke of Wellington', via greyhound racing, lost property offices and umbrellas, to zebra crossings (relative newcomers to London in 1953). Adorned throughout with Edward Bawden's beautiful and distinctive illustrations, this charmingly idiosyncratic guide brings to life with a dry humour the London and Londoners of the day. More than sixty years have passed since it was first published and while many sights are now lost to time, you may be surprised to find how this vintage guide continues to capture London in all its uniqueness. The new introduction places the original publication in context, drawing the reader into 1950s London via a tour of the book's most curious, nostalgic and whimsical entries.

Edward Bawden (1903–1989) is one of the world’s best-loved illustrators and printmakers. He illustrated scores of books and exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy, the Leicester Galleries and, from 1968, at The Fine Art Society.
Peyton Skipwith is the co-author of a dozen books, including Edward Bawden’s London, and is co-editor of the Design series ACC Books. His 20-year correspondence with Edward Bawden will be published next year by the Hand & Eye Press.