Huge, noisy, quaint yet cosmopolitan, and altogether striking in its contrasts, the city of London is examined in all its complexity in this dynamic book. Learn how this city on the Thames, dating back over 2,000 years, developed from a small settlement consisting of only a river crossing and a garrison to the city it is today, famous for London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and so much more. Learn about its most famous inhabitants--from Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare to the Beatles and Margaret Thatcher--to understand how they all contributed to make London the city it is today. Starting with the city's Roman roots, continuing through the Saxon, Medieval and Tudor periods and into its growth in the Georgian and Victorian ages, we see London come alive as a vibrant, modern city. Through original artwork, photographs, maps, and time lines, we learn about its increasing relevance on the world stage as the British Empire touches every corner of the globe. The devastation of the two World Wars, the rebuilding of the city, the increase in immigration and London's continued role as a "capital city" complete the story told in this engaging and lively book.