Andrew Emmerson

Having read about the GWR I noticed there was one on the London Underground. I have lived in London for over 40 years so the Underground has become very familiar. This little book gives the history in short compass and helps in differentiating words like Metro, subway, underground and tube. It is hard to imagine that undergoround trains were steam at first and that the last one of these did not disappear until 1957. It was also interesting to read about stairs, lifts and escalators (first show more one put in in 1911). The part aout the war years is also informative and interesting. This edition was published before the Elizabeth line sothe final parts are a little sketchy. show less

Interesting, well-written, but not of extraordinarily broad appeal. Could be useful for a novelist...love those pneumatic tubes for the telegrams.

The definitive book of the underground movement! This is one for everyone who likes probing into the secret world, with details of abandoned Underground stations, secret Government installations and the like.

It also explains a family story: that my grandmother once served Winston Churchill in a pub opposite Wanstead tube station. Given that this was actually an underground aircraft components factory during the war, it seems quite possible that having made a visit of inspection, Churchill is show more quite likely to have repaired to the nearest pub for refreshment! show less

Very thoroughly researched with history and photos of how each site came into being. Focusses on the different underground tubes and tunnels used during WWII including disused tube stations, GPO tunnels, BBS stronhold, Plessey factory, Whitehall tunnel, and deep-level shelters. Last chapter also highlights the current status of sites. Only thing I would like to have seen was more present day photographs.