This Is London

I didn't like this one as much as Sasek's books about Paris and Venice. I found the text a bit dry, it seemed to jump around a bit more than the others did. The original version was written in 1959, but this updated version added a number of changes that have occurred since then.

This review covers ‘This is London’, ‘This is New York’, and ‘This is San Francisco’ by Miroslav Sasek, copied to all three books.

I stumbled across these three books by Miroslav Sasek at, of all places, Cost Plus World Market. The art immediately caught my attention in that old timey feeling, and I learned these books were created in 1959, 1960, and 1962 respectively, which explains the art style. An introduction explains that Sasek was inspired to create travel books for children during a trip aboard. His first creation was ‘This is Paris’ in 1958. For these updated editions, the books are edited with asterisks to identify new names or geographical locations while the art stayed the same. There is an effort to connect show more the sites geographically. The text is kept light for a child’s reading level. The art is ultimately the win. I very much enjoyed seeing these locations through the lens of the 1960’s, and the art style is charming and delightful. Even though I know all three cities well, ‘This is London’ was easily my favorite; it must be the anglophile in me.

P.S. Here’s the main site for his work. http://www.miroslavsasek.com/ show less

I read the 1970 edition (from a thrift store) and was charmed.  I wish I'd read it as a girl, so I would have been able to see the settings of the British children's books I was reading.  So, Piccadilly Circus is (was?) their version of Times Square, it seems....  Of course, I doubt there are still hippies thronging Chelsea, and now there's the Eye... probably most of the landmarks can still be seen, though.  I do recommend this (and probably any of the series by Sasek) to you if you're bringing your children on a tour.

This Is London is one of a series of travel guides for children written and illustrated by Miroslav Sasek beginning in the late 1950s. Sasek describes and illustrates many familiar London landmarks. He also describes cultural aspects one might observe there, including business apparel, tea time and entertainment such as cricket, dart playing in pubs, and open air markets. Some of the facts that were true when the book was published in 1959 are no longer accurate. While the original text and illustrations have been preserved, an asterisk system directs readers to a page at the back of the book with updated information (as of 2004). Society was more formal in the late 1950s, and the style of the illustrations and muted color palate show more reflect the era. Despite some dated features, the book still maintains a timeless feel. Recommended for lovers of London of all ages. show less

A travelogue for even the youngest anglophile, this oversized picture book graphically depicts some of the most famous features of London, England. Through each flip of the page the reader joins a guided tour through the bustling city as if on the top of a double decker bus. Readers will rush past landmark buildings, imposing statues, charming neighborhoods, and impressive structures, while meeting local inhabitants and learning about the culture, government, and technology of the lively city. First published in 1959, the informative book has been modified for the 21st century by providing a factual list of updates in the back matter. A perfect coffee table book, the length of the descriptive text and the attention-grabbing full-page show more spread watercolor paintings makes this a good book for the single fourth grade reader and up to pick up and snuggle up on the couch with a cup of tea and to be effectively transported to the London of old. show less

This book was so much fun to read! It inspired me to look into doing more traveling of my own. I would love to read this to my class and discover where they desire to travel.

Written in 1959, this is a beautifully created book that really gets to the heart of London for children. This copy is an updated version (retains the original information with updates to it!) Great book. Glad I bought it!