A short and fun miscellany of the world under the streets of London. The book has some structure, looking at springs, rivers which have been built over, manmade tunnels, the Tube network, and underground bunkers, amongst other things, but many of Ackroyd's themes cut across the chapters. Inevitably with a book of this nature, most of the things that stick with you (well, me) are the little factoids - the London Underground has its own species of mosquito! - which end up leaving a slightly scattershot feel. But that is not really the fault of this book. Much to learn and enjoy! ( )

Peter Ackroyd entertains in his poetic factual and informative style. ( )

This was interesting, particularly from a scatology perspective, but it felt a bit all over the place. You could feel that the author was very passionate about the subject of this unseen part of London but then it just felt like you were running after them as they pointed at this and then this and then this and then that!!!

Granted, it is a very small book to try to tackle such a long and varied history. It has made me want to look up some other more detailed books, chronologically organized perhaps, to get a fuller picture of the subject. ( )

This is a very good book about all of the incredible tunnels, drains, rivers, etc. underneath London. The final chapter about all the various secret government tunnels was my favorite. I would have given this book four stars if it contained maps. The old illustrations were very nice, but maps would have really helped visualize the complex systems underground in London. ( )

Had some interesting history of rivers and streams under London, was nice as extra info for Ben Aaronovitch(sp?) series about old Water God's in modern London. Was too excited over all though. ( )