Author: Alf Townsend Publisher: History Press ISBN: 9780752458748 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 0
Book Description
Alf Townsend is a London cabbie with over forty years' experience. In his new book, he gathers together for the first time the complete history of London's cabs in wartime--not just in the Second World War when cabs were converted for other uses (firefighting, ambulances, armored personnel carriers, etc), but also in the First World War, when the cabbies had to endure hundreds of zeppelin attacks by night. With more than 90 photographs supporting Alf's lively and readable text, this book is sure to reveal a hitherto unknown aspect of the capital in wartime.
Author: Alf Townsend Publisher: The History Press ISBN: 0752484842 Category : Transportation Languages : en Pages : 42
Book Description
In his new book, well-known London cabbie Alf Townsend tells us the complete story of the black cab, from its origins in the seventeenth century to the brand new taxis which now grace the capital’s streets.The history and development of the black cab is explored here in Alf’s straightforward writing style, alongside ninety colour and black and white images.This is a light-hearted romp through the world of ‘the knowledge’, the vehicles, the streets of London and the cabbies themselves, and is full of juicy snippets and fascinating quotes which will be of great interest to anyone who loves this London icon.
Author: Christopher Hibbert Publisher: Pan Macmillan ISBN: 0230738788 Category : Reference Languages : en Pages : 1120
Book Description
‘There is no one-volume book in print that carries so much valuable information on London and its history’ Illustrated London News The London Encyclopaedia is the most comprehensive book on London ever published. In its first new edition in over ten years, completely revised and updated, it comprises some 6,000 entries, organised alphabetically, cross-referenced and supported by two large indexes – one for the 10,000 people mentioned in the text and one general – and is illustrated with over 500 drawings, prints and photographs. Everything of relevance to the history, culture, commerce and government of the capital is documented in this phenomenal book. From the very first settlements through to the skyline of today, The London Encyclopaedia comprehends all that is London. ‘Written in very accessible prose with a range of memorable quotations and affectionate jokes...a monumental achievement written with real love’ Financial Times
Author: Alf Townsend Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited ISBN: 1445625687 Category : Transportation Languages : en Pages : 126
Book Description
The illustrated history of this popular vehicle, which took workers on daytrips in the fifties before the advent of annual leave. A nostalgic subject with national interest.
Author: Aylmer Firebrace CBE KPM Publisher: Frontline Books ISBN: 1399015028 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 344
Book Description
War was coming. Everyone knew that confrontation with Nazi Germany was inevitable and that London was likely to be a prime target of Hitler’s bombers. So, in January 1939, Aylmer Firebrace, the Chief Officer of London Fire Brigade, was seconded to the Home Office to plan for the capital’s fire defence. Before joining the Fire Brigade, Aylmer Firebrace had been a Royal Navy officer who had fought in the Battle of Jutland during the First World War. It was following the Armistice that, in 1919, he became principal officer in the London Fire Brigade. He was promoted to deputy chief and finally chief officer in June 1938.. That war struck London soon enough, but it was on 7 September 1940, that Firebrace’s preparations were truly tested with the start of the Blitz. For the next fifty-seven days and nights London was subjected to the longest continuous bombing campaign in history. Then, as the Luftwaffe ranged wider and further across Britain’s towns and cities, Firebrace was tasked with toured the nation to see the effects of the bombing, at which point he saw the need for a national response. The result was the creation of the National Fire Service. Formed in August 1941, by the amalgamation of some 1,600 separate brigades, this remarkable organisation had, at its peak, a strength of 370,000 men and women. It was led for its entire existence by Aylmer Firebrace. As the war continued, Firebrace became Chief of the Fire Staff and Inspector-in-Chief of the Fires Services, being the first and, to date, only person to head all the fire-fighting services in Britain. This body had to deal with the expansion of the Blitz as well as the so-called ‘Baedeker’ raids, the ‘tip-and-run’ attacks, Baby Blitz and V1 and V2 offensives of the later years of the war. In his fascinating account, written immediately the war, Firebrace reflects on the functioning of the fire service at its most testing time. This book is an essential addition to the understanding of the Blitz and how London and the rest of the country survived its darkest hour.
Author: Frank Langfitt Publisher: PublicAffairs ISBN: 1610398157 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 297
Book Description
As any traveler knows, some of the best and most honest conversations take place during car rides. So, when a long-time NPR correspondent wanted to learn more about the real China, he started driving a cab--and discovered a country amid seismic political and economic change. China--America's most important competitor--is at a turning point. With economic growth slowing, Chinese people face inequality and uncertainty as their leaders tighten control at home and project power abroad. In this adventurous, original book, NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt describes how he created a free taxi service--offering rides in exchange for illuminating conversation--to go beyond the headlines and get to know a wide range of colorful, compelling characters representative of the new China. They include folks like "Beer," a slippery salesman who tries to sell Langfitt a used car; Rocky, a farm boy turned Shanghai lawyer; and Chen, who runs an underground Christian church and moves his family to America in search of a better, freer life. Blending unforgettable characters, evocative travel writing, and insightful political analysis, The Shanghai Free Taxi is a sharply observed and surprising book that will help readers make sense of the world's other superpower at this extraordinary moment.
Author: Alf Townsend
Author: Malcolm Bobbitt
Author: Alf Townsend
Author: Christopher Hibbert
Author: Commonwealth Shipping Committee
Author: Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons
Author: Alf Townsend
Author: Aylmer Firebrace CBE KPM
Author: Frank Langfitt
Author: Paula Kitching