From Roman times to the twenty-first century, Londoners and visitors to the city have witnessed the extraordinary events and everyday life and character of this unique and influential cityfrom politics, culture, sports, religion, and reportage. Bringing to vivid life the human trial of the capital, the book includes the rise and fall of the world-spanning empire, as well as the everyday life of the city. Here, the life of the capital is told, for the first time, by first-hand witnesses. Packed with personality and character, this book is a must for anyone interested in London as well as a wonderful story of a world city.