My friends over at Sterling Publishing Co. were kind enough to send me a review copy of  a superbly illustrated handbook—Bradshaw’s Illustrated Hand Book to London (Conway, March 3013).

First published in 1862, it was originally meant as a guide for visitors, and it’s now reformatted to preserve the book’s historical value, and includes beautiful engravings of London attractions, an overview of the city, and information on London theaters, hackney carriages, omnibuses, churches, and even banks. The main body of the book focuses on a series of walking tours, and some of the advice on coping with London smog, avoiding pickpockets, and more is as useful today as it was back then!

Rounded out with gorgeous vintage illustrations, this book is aesthetically  appealing.

Take a trip back to Victorian London!