The book by a prominent British publicist and public figure, author of the bestseller “A Brief History of England,” Simon Jenkins, sets out in clear chronological order the history of London, starting from the founding of Londinium and the first period of the city’s life (43–410) to the present. The story, set in a broad cultural context and focusing on the city's architecture, is accompanied by maps and a color insert, as well as a list of major milestones in London's life. “London, founded by the Romans and then refounded by the Anglo-Saxons, grew ceaselessly. By the 18th century it was the largest capital of Europe, and by the 19th century it was the capital of the world. After the Second World War, London's growth seemed to reach its limit and began to slow down. But at the turn of the 21st century, the city began to grow again, attracting people, finance and talent from all over the country, from all over Europe and from all over the world. Its population is expected to exceed 9 million by 2025. The first medieval metropolis experienced turmoil in the 17th century with its civil war, the Great Plague and the Great Fire, but emerged from it successfully, entering the 18th century, a golden age of renewal and intellectual productivity. What followed was upheaval caused by the coming of the railroads and an explosion of suburban growth the likes of which no other city in the world had experienced. At the turn of the 20th century, London reached the apotheosis of imperial greatness, over the course of a century it survived the bombing of two world wars, after which a period of decline began. In the third millennium, the city began to flourish again, becoming a global financial center. I am interested in London of all times - not always the same, but always retaining the same spirit. I try to answer questions that have always intrigued me and hopefully will intrigue readers.” (Simon Jenkins)