Alexander Korda`s 1936 film The Shape of Things to Come predicted the nightmare of aerial bombing against London. Even as the storm clouds gathered, the government was woefully slow in protecting its civilian population. Some problems, such as the risk of a catastrophic flooding of the Underground network, were anticipated. But the enduring image of the Blitz is the spontaneous & community driven adoption of the Underground stations as a safe refuge from the raids. As Londoners settled into their new subterranean routine the government ordered the construction of purpose-built deep shelters & most of these still exist. In London Underground at War Nick Cooper examines the impact of the war on the running of the Tube & the plans to protect the system. He asks what life was like for those who sought safety underground & pays tribute to the many `shelterers` who lost their lives in the raids. These cruel, wanton, indiscriminate bombings of London are, of course, a part of Hitler`s invasion plans. He hopes, by killing large numbers of civilians, & women & children, that he will terrorize & cow the people of this mighty imperial city
- Little does he know the spirit of the British nation, or the tough fibre of the Londoners. Winston Churchill, radio broadcast, Sept 1940
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London Underground By Design is the beautifully illustrated new book from Mark Ovenden, the acclaimed author of Great Railway Maps of the World, published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Tube in 2013. Since its establishment 150 years ago as the world`s first urban subway, the London Underground has continuously set a benchmark for design that has influenced transit systems from New York to Tokyo, Moscow to Paris & beyond. London Underground by Design is the first meticulous study of every aspect of that feat, a comprehensive history of one of the world`s most celebrated design achievements, & of the visionaries who brought it to life. Beginning in the pioneering Victorian age, Mark Ovenden charts the evolution of architecture, branding, typeface, map design, interior & textile styles, posters, signage & graphic design & how these came together to shape not just the Underground`s identity, but the character of London itself. This is the story of celebrated designers
- from Frank Pick, the guru who conceptualised the modern Tube`s look under the `design fit for purpose` mantra, to Harry Beck, Tube diagram creator, & from Marion Dorn, one of the twentieth century`s leading textile designers, to Edward Johnston, creator of the distinctive font that bears his name, as well as Leslie Green, designer of central London`s distinctive ruby-red tiled stations, & the Design Research Unit`s head, Misha Black, who in the 1960s rebranded British Railways & created the Victoria line`s distinctive style, & Sir Norman Foster, architect of Canary Wharf station. ” Fascinating.. .authoritative.. .bristles with photographs I`ve never seen before.. .the book does ample justice to a network that
- overcrowded & overpriced
- is a glorious palimpsest of design”. (Andrew Martin, Observer). ”I wouldn`t ordinarily enthuse about one book at such length, but this is an important work.. .not because it`s an entertaining read (it is), but because it identifies the birth of a brand.. .and records the birth of a new idea
- the transport interchange”. (Kevin Mc Cloud, Grand Designs Magazine).” Mark Ovenden has devotedly documented the designs associated with [the Underground].. .”addictive” for anyone interested in the look of everyday life”. (Telegraph). ” This beautifully illustrated history is a worth tribute [to 150 years of design]”. (Shortlist). ”A wonderful, handsome book.. .it makes me want to nerd out, get a travel card & whiz out to the strange ends of Metroland or the UFO shape of Southgate station”. (Robert Bownes/ Andrew Tuck, Monocle Weekly (Radio programme)). Mark Ovenden is a British writer & broadcaster. His previous books are Metro Maps of the World, Paris Metro Style & Great Railway Maps of the World. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society & lives in London.



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London Underground Facts is a selection of amazing & extraordinary tit bits of information relating to the London Underground, the world's oldest, busiest & most celebrated transport system. The book tells the story of grand & impractical visions, colourful characters & dodgy dealers, pernickety politics & financial flops, ground breaking engineering & architecture, & innovative artwork & marketing. London Underground Facts brings together the best & worst examples of all the above in a collection of fun trivia & interesting facts. Here's a taster of some questions answered in the book ...

The London Underground, or Tube, is an icon: it is the world`s oldest underground rail network & remains one of its largest & busiest. The Haynes London Underground Manual provides a detailed insight into its design, construction, operation & maintenance, featuring fascinating photographs & drawings from the archives along with essential technical details & an engaging narrative. Lively presentation & an abundance of colour imagery make this book an essential read for all enthusiasts of the Underground, railways &, indeed, historic London. ...

London Underground Map Jigsaw is a 500 piece puzzle of the London Underground map. The features you would expect to find on a TFL map are all included, such as connections with over ground rails lines, airports, trams & ferry boat services. Disabled access stations are also marked, as well as TFL contact information. At time of writing the river Thames is not shown on underground maps but is included on the jigsaw plan. When fully assembled the puzzle measures 49cm x 35cm. Not suitable for those under 3 years old due to small parts. ...

This jute London Underground bag is a reusable & stylish alternative to the plastic bag which is adding to the decline of the environment. The bag is even eco-friendly in its construction: made from sustainable & naturally renewable plant fibres, the jute bag is a plain weave cloth noted for its strength & durability. It ...

The London Underground Luggage Tag by Blues Apparel offers a colourful & unique way to identify your bags. On one side it features a detail of the central part of the London Underground system; on the other side there is space to write your name, address & contact number. It is a great souvenir of your trip to London & is ideal accessory for your next trip. ...

Contemplate your next tube journey whilst sitting at your desk with the Underground Mouse Pad. This durable mouse pad depicts the iconic design that is the London Underground tube map, enabling you to plan your next journey whilst busying away on the computer at work or at home. ...

The Blue Apparel Pencil pack contains 4 pencils with colourful rubber tips. They are decorated with the central area of the iconic London underground map & HB leaded. They make a great souvenir of your trip to London & are ideal as a unique gift idea. ...

The London Underground Luggage Tag by Blues Apparel offers a colourful & unique way to identify your bags. On one side it features a detail of the central part of the London Underground system; on the other side there is space to write your name, address & contact number. It is a great souvenir of your trip to London & is ideal accessory for your next trip. ...