Semi-Detached London
- Semi-Detached London
- Suburban Development, Life and Transport, 1900-39
- First published in 1973, and long since out of print, this book rapidly generated interest and respect for breaking new ground in urban history and providing an unmatched source of information on the great suburban expansion of London in the first 40 years of the 20th Century. It is a classic survey and exploration of that final uninhibited period of London's growth, brought to a halt by World War 2 and the planning legislation of 1947.
- The author's paternal grandparents became pioneer owner-occupiers of a new bay-windowed terrace house at what was then the edge of North London in the 1900s and with his parents' decision in the late 1930s to leave a rented Victorian terrace house nearby for a brash speculative builder's estate of semi-detatched and detached 'new homes' 15 miles further out, the author found himself a participant in the process. Many years later he set out in 12 years of leisure-time research to discover why this outward growth happened and investigate deeply into its component features, walking over much of the ground to illuminate his documentary research.
- The result is presented in seveteen richly-detailed chapters and several appendicies covering all aspects of the subject, forming an authoritative, balanced account of the Great Suburban Age before the Green Belt and the Development Plan. The roles of the speculative builder, estate developer and local authorities all receive careful attention and the author's special knowledge of London's roads and rail transport systems ensures that the leading part they played throughout the period is fully examined.
- Students of social, urban and transport history and of house design will find the book and indispensable reference source and indicator for further research. Those familiar with London's sprawling suburbs, whether they have lived in them or not, are sure to enjoy the diverse and often entertaining revelations of the background to their emergence and development.
- This second edition contains the whole of the original text with some new material and an expanded bibliography. It is much enhanced by the inclusion of a very large number of additional illustrations set in a completely redesigned and larger format which aims to convey the spirit and atmosphere of the period.
- 278 pages, 1991, Case bound, 8½" x 11", 1350g
- Wild Swan Publications
- ISBN 1874103011
- New — Out of Print
Enquire - Pre-Owned, excellent, as new, very light shelf wear — £80.00
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- Mr G.Johnson
- British Railway Books
- PO BOX 137
- Abergavenny
- NP7 1AU
