“National Geographic London Book of Lists: The City’s Best, Worst, Oldest, Greatest, & Quirkiest”
National Geographic, $19.95
London is endlessly fascinating, a city so iconic that even if people have never been there, they recognize its landmarks. Given its antiquity, eccentricity and sheer cosmopolitanism, it is a natural subject for list-making. And that is exactly what authors Tim Jepson, who grew up on the fringes of London, and Larry Porges, a native New Yorker, have done here.
It’s full of fun facts. For example, London was the world’s largest city from 1831 to 1925, when it was bested by New York City and then Tokyo. There also are fun statistics, such as extreme weather stats: The hottest day occurred on Aug. 10, 2003, when the temperature rose to a scorching 100.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest day took place in December 1796, with a low of minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is an entire section on the Beatles’ London. The cover of the band’s first album, “Please Please Me,” was shot in February 1963, at the old EMI record company at 20 Manchester Square. The famous stairwell that appeared on the album is preserved in offices in the Hammersmith neighborhood. The authors list references to London locations in song, including Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street,” the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset” and Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London.”
If you ever wondered about the origin of fish and chips, the authors maintain that the London staple —indeed, a staple throughout Britain — was introduced by 17th century Jewish refugees from Spain and Portugal. What’s more, a Jewish immigrant, Joseph Malin, opened the first fish and chip shop in Whitechapel around 1860.
Being an international city, it’s no surprise that 22.1 percent of Londoners listed a language other than English as their main language. What is surprising is that the top language spoken in London other than English is Polish.
A section on London’s famous black taxis is fascinating. The city has more than 221,000 licensed taxi drivers; the average daily distance driven is a mere 3.2 miles; 100 percent of the taxis are wheelchair accessible; and the average time it takes to prepare for the Knowledge (the test cabbies must pass before they are hired) is three years.
That other famous form of London transportation, the Underground, or Tube, also gets a special section. The total length of the network is 249 miles with 270 stations. The busiest station is Waterloo, while the station with the most platforms is Baker Street.
Other lists include London’s top attraction (the British Museum); the best fish and chips shops; London’s oldest restaurants; the best afternoon teas; where famous Londoners lived; 10 classic historic pubs; London’s best markets; London’s oldest cemeteries; 10 oldest theaters (the Theatre Royal site dates from 1663), and many more.
And if you ever wondered where James Bond — 007 himself — lived, it was at 30 Wellington Square in Chelsea.
“Walt Disney World with Kids 2015”
Fodor’s Travel, $21.99
This 25th and latest edition of the perennial favorite — completely redesigned and written with the help of more than 500 families — features up-to-date information not only on Walt Disney World but also Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. In addition, it includes updates on the new Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom and the FastPass+ and MagicBand systems. The big trend in attractions, authors Kim Wright Wiley and Leigh C.W. Jenkins report, is toward more interactive experiences. Up to digital speed, Disney also has its own app: “My Disney Experience.”
Everything you need to know about Disney World is here, but Wiley and Jenkins suggest that readers follow a few simple guidelines before departure. They include such common-sense suggestions as planning your trip when the parks are less crowded; buying tickets and arranging hotel and dining reservations well in advance; and choosing three or four must-see attractions per park. But perhaps the wisest suggestion is to “accept your differences and be willing to split up occasionally.” That way everyone in your group is pleased.
