First published in 1935, this classic snapshot of London in the years before World War II glows with its Austrian author's affection for British life and customs&;yet also abounds with critical insight. Exploring the London scene in a time when age-old traditions were stubbornly resisting the tides of modernism, Paul Cohen-Portheim reflects on the enduring spirit embodied in the city's people, buildings, culture, and history.
First published in 1935, this classic snapshot of London in the years before World War II glows with its Austrian author's affection for British life and customs&;yet also abounds with critical insight.
Paul Cohen-Portheim, an Austrian traveler and writer, was interned in England during World War I, but his enforced stay made him fall in love with the country and, in particular, London. This is his interpretation of the irrepressible city. Exploring the London scene in a time when age-old traditions were stubbornly resisting the tides of modernism, Cohen-Portheim reflects on the enduring spirit embodied in the city's people, buildings, culture, and history. He ranges from &;Town Streets and their Life&; to &;Green London,&; to the surprisingly liberal &;London and the Foreigner.&; Spirit of London features the iconic Brian Cook cover illustration of Ludgate Circus and St Paul&;s.
Foreword |
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iii | |
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Preface |
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v | |
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Author's Note |
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vii | |
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ix | |
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I London Through the Centuries |
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1 | (12) |
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13 | (20) |
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III Streets and Their Life |
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33 | (16) |
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49 | (13) |
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62 | (11) |
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VI London Amusements and Night Life |
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73 | (10) |
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VII London Hotels and Restaurants |
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83 | (10) |
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93 | (10) |
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IX London and the British |
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103 | (5) |
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X London and the Foreigner |
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108 | (5) |
Index |
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113 | |
Paul Cohen-Portheim (18801932) was an Austrian artist and travel writer. He was a proficient linguist and spoke a half a dozen European languages fluently. When World War I broke out, he was painting in Devonshire, and found himself interned for the length of the war. This gave him time to read, observe and meditate, especially on his enforced new home. After the war he wrote England, the Unknown Isle and later The Spirit of London, showing his affection for England and London especially. The Spirit of London was the last thing to be published after his sudden death in 1932. Paul Cohen-Portheim (18801932) was an Austrian artist and travel writer. He was a proficient linguist and spoke a half a dozen European languages fluently. When World War I broke out, he was painting in Devonshire, and found himself interned for the length of the war. This gave him time to read, observe and meditate, especially on his enforced new home. After the war he wrote England, the Unknown Isle and later The Spirit of London, showing his affection for England and London especially. The Spirit of London was the last thing to be published after his sudden death in 1932.