Don’t let the fact that this book has 800+ pages! (I never thought I’d say that about any book) After reading this, I feel that London is partly mine, like an international treasure. This book, organized by theme, not chronology (some people dislike that, buy it suited me very well) tells stories about myriad aspects of life in London over 2 millennia. No dry facts here, but living images to bring layers of history alive. I certainly couldn’t read it in one sitting, but I looked forward to the part of each day I could delve into Ackroyd’s narrative.