This is an interesting guide to some of greater London’s iconic houses, albeit one that’s frustrating to use. Vicky Lewis does a nice job of describing some of the iconic homes that are open for people to visit; while most date from the 16th through the 19th centuries, she includes a few more recent ones as well to round out her selections. The descriptions themselves include an informative mix of historical and architectural details that provide a good context for one’s visit, and end with descriptions as to hours of operation and the various means of getting to them. The frustration comes from the lack of maps, which make planning any journeys to visit them more difficult. Most users can compensate with the London A-Z guide or some other street map or app, but the need to do so is annoying for what is otherwise a handy little book. ( )