London
A Social and Cultural History, 1550–1750

This book is a history of London from 1550 to 1750, the period of its rise to world-wide prominence.

Robert O. Bucholz (Author), Joseph P. Ward (Author)

9780521896528, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 July 2012

438 pages, 53 b/w illus. 4 maps
23.5 x 16 x 3.5 cm, 0.91 kg

'… an impressive resource: Bucholz and Ward synthesize the political and cultural changes they examine with an arsenal of statistics, references, and official and literary quotes. The authors have compiled a comprehensive academic study, a vital resource for scholars of all stages of research in early modern British (and European) geography, architecture and the arts, cultural trends, and governmental and social hierarchy.' Sixteenth Century Journal

Between 1550 and 1750 London became the greatest city in Europe and one of the most vibrant economic and cultural centres in the world. This book is a history of London during this crucial period of its rise to world-wide prominence, during which it dominated the economic, political, social and cultural life of the British Isles, as never before nor since. London incorporates the best recent work in urban history, contemporary accounts from Londoners and tourists, and fictional works featuring the city in order to trace London's rise and explore its role as a harbinger of modernity, while examining how its citizens coped with those achievements. London covers the full range of life in London, from the splendid galleries of Whitehall to the damp and sooty alleyways of the East End. Readers will brave the dangers of plague and fire, witness the spectacles of the Lord Mayor's Pageant and the hangings at Tyburn, and take refreshment in the city's pleasure-gardens, coffee-houses and taverns.

Introduction: London's importance
1. London in 1550
2. The socioeconomic base
3. Royal and civic London
4. Fine and performing arts
5. The public sphere and popular culture
6. The people on the margins
7. Riot and rebellion
8. Plague and fire
Conclusion: London in 1750.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural history [HBTB], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], British & Irish history [HBJD1], History [HB]