Discover Unexpected London

Ah, London in 1979! A time when flared trousers and an abundance of polyester ruled the streets, and the only ’tech’ anyone cared about was how to properly brew a cuppa. In "Discover Unexpected London," Andrew Lawson takes you on a whirlwind jaunt through the city that is anything but predictable. It’s as if someone decided to slap a price tag on nostalgia and call it a travel guide. Not just any travel guide, mind you, but one that promises to illuminate the most obscure corners of a city riddled with secrets, eccentricities, and a fair amount of pigeon droppings.

With a title like "Discover Unexpected London," one might expect a plethora of whimsical anecdotes about the city’s hidden gems. Instead, Lawson presents a collection of somewhat bemusing observations that range from the delightfully quaint to the utterly baffling. Expect to find not only the usual suspects such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but also other less illustrious sights that may or may not be worth your time. How about a long-winded explanation of a back alley where a famous poet once sneezed? Yes, these are the unexpected discoveries Lawson boasts about, and they are certainly unexpected—at least in terms of relevance.

As you flip through the pages, you’ll encounter a mixture of dodgy photographs and overly enthusiastic prose that seems to oscillate between genuine affection for the city and a vague confusion about why anyone would want to visit places like the ‘World’s Smallest Loo’ or a pub that serves absinthe and has a resident cat named Mr. Whiskers. Each sight presented in this whimsical tome comes with its own set of peculiarities, making you wonder if you’ve stepped into an alternate reality where absurdity reigns supreme.

The book is structured like a treasure map, except the treasure is a rusty old trinket found in a bargain box at the back of a charity shop. Lawson’s writing style is reminiscent of a friendly uncle who’s had a few too many shandies at a family gathering, regaling you with tales that wander off-topic more often than not. It’s like visiting London with a guide who has a penchant for digressions, leaving you intrigued but slightly bewildered about the actual itinerary.

For those seeking a taste of the 1970s, this book has it all: the slightly yellowed pages, the smell of a bygone era, and the unintentional humour that accompanies every mention of the changing cityscape. Lawson captures the essence of London during a time when the city was undergoing its own identity crisis—much like the rest of the world, come to think of it. The images within might make you squint in disbelief, as they capture various attractions that are now either long gone or horrifically modernised, leaving you to ponder what could have been.

Condition: Used, yes, but it’s the good kind of used—like a well-loved teddy bear that’s lost an eye but still holds an inexplicable charm. The pages are dog-eared, stained with what could either be tea or a long-forgotten snack, and the spine is holding on for dear life, much like your resolve to read this book cover to cover. But fear not, fellow bibliophile! It’s these very imperfections that add layers of character to this quirky relic.

As you prepare to embark on your own unexpected London adventure, armed with a slightly battered copy of Andrew Lawson’s masterwork, you might want to consider the following:

• Plan to discover the less conventional spots—just don’t expect them to be actually exciting.
• Bring a sense of humour; this book is likely to amuse more than guide.
• Practice your puzzled expression for when you find yourself in front of a shop dedicated to antique shoelaces.
• Take a good look at the images; they may be the most unexpected part of the book.
• Remember, every page turned is a step into the bizarre side of London.

So, if you fancy a laugh and a nostalgic look at a peculiar slice of London life, grab your copy of “Discover Unexpected London” and prepare yourself for an adventure that defies all conventional expectations, courtesy of Crappy Old Books. Just remember to leave your sense of direction at home; it won’t be needed here.

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