London is one of the most important cities on the planet thanks to its historical, cultural and societal impact the world over. Looking back at the people, politics and places that have shaped the capital, renowned historian Jeremy Black recounts the stories - some well-known and others less so - that have helped build the city as we know it. Detailing all aspects of the city, Black analyses the pivotal moments in history that make London what it is today. From the influence of the Romans on the main roads to the long, arduous battles for both royal and political leadership; from Shakespeare's influence on the written word to the impact of the 'Swinging Sixties'; from the influx of those who arrived in the city by ship in the 1950s to the riots that set about change in the 1980s - Black details the key historical moments that formed the foundations of the city. A must-read for history lovers, A Brief History of London is a richly detailed page-turner that invites you to travel through history and jump onto the Tube as you discover the tales of the capital. Book jacket.