Literary London

One of the world’s greatest literary cities, London has streets full of stories and buildings steeped in history. The biggest and most beloved names in English literature have all been here, and you can still see or visit their stomping grounds and favorite places. Follow Oscar Wilde from the literary salons to Clapham Junction; roam with Julian McClaren Ross through Fitzrovia, dropping in for a pint or three with Dylan Thomas at the Bricklayers’ Arms; muse darkly over the Thames with Spencer, Eliot, and Conrad; and watch aghast as Lord Byron terrorizes his publisher on Albermarle Street. Moving through time and genre, from Spencer and Shakespeare to Amis and Barnes, from tragedy and romance to chick-lit and science fiction, Literary London is a snappy and informative guide, showing just why—as another famous local writer put it—he who is tired of London is tired of life.

Eloise Millar is the author of Wednesday's Child, which was shortlisted for the YoungMinds Award. She is also a journalist and co-founded Galley Beggar Press. Sam Jordison is the co-editor of the Crap Towns series of books and also writes for the Guardian. He co-founded Galley Beggar Press.