Not that the book shirks some of the suburban ideal's less happy offspring. Herein you will also find Becontree, Barking, Beckton and Broadwater Farm--along with lots of other ugly, tedious, remote, monotonous and often crime-ridden hell-holes. However, the general tenor of this marvellous, eye-opening volume is definitely upbeat. So much so that as one can idle through its comprehensive gazetteer, drool at its descriptions of leafy-green Georgian Barnsbury and lap up its idyllic pictures of Betjeman's Metroland and John Nash's rus in urbo it may even make you want to pack up your bags and move to Morden. Maybe. --Sean Thomas

Synopsis
From a Utopian ideal to the reality of the late 20th century, this book raises questions about the continuing attempt to link the city with the country.

The publisher, Merrell Holberton Publishers , 22 July, 1999
Excellent reviews for the bookLondon Suburbs!
"...excellent...delectable... this is a wonderful book, the illustrations are sumptuous (the colour ones, from English Heritage, are a joy) and the gazeetteer provides enough material for years of weekend expeditions. Buy it for a partner's or a friend's birthday, and surreptitously treat yourself too." RIBA Journal

"...riveting...giving us a masterly architectural survey and and analysis of suburban housing....This book is well served by its pictures, images that literally illustrate what the text is saying, and by a fascinating gazetteer, a borough by borough and chronological listing of buildings keyed to the relvant chapters of the book. This is a book to gladden the hearts of all of us." The Art Newspaper

"What it reveals with grace, originality, and pride, is enough to make any suburbanite proud of his or her heritage." BBC Homes & Antiques