Customer Rating: 
Summary: A Note On This Book's Relation to ""London 1: City of London"
Comment: I won't add anything further to the two reviews below, save to say that this book is based on the larger (and much more expensive) "London 1: City of London" in the Buildings of England Series. This small book repeats sections of that book, but it has been expanded with extra information added, and updated.
Therefore it is still worth buying even if you have the other book already.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Authoritative back-up to a chattier guidebook?
Comment: This book is around 6 inches by 3 inches and 160 pages long, so it fits neatly enough into a bag, although maybe not a pocket. It starts with an Introduction covering the history of churches in the city (around 35 pages) - this is detailed and helpful. The main part of the book is, of course, the description of the churches themselves. The description of each one varies in length from 1 page up to 3 or 4 pages. This is a historical guide but also a `proper' architectural guide so if, like me, you are a layman you will need the glossary of terms used. The glossary, like the text itself, would have benefited from some more drawings or sketches - indeed, one of the criticisms of the book is that the pictures are confined to a few pages in the middle of the book rather than being with the description of each church and they are not very inspiring. This is definitely a book to read while you are there. The other criticism I have is that the text is broken up into headings and this sometimes stops it flowing freely - it is more of a reference book than a chatty companion. Having said this, it is very authoritative.
In conclusion, I would say if you are looking for a short accessible guide to the churches of the City of London you should consider Stephen Millar's London City Churches, but if you found that a little too light, this would be an excellent back-up to provide depth and detail.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A delight to follow this guide to London's churches
Comment: I have completed 50 lunchtime visits to London's churches accompanied, inspired and provoked by Simon Bradley and Nikolaus Pevsner's guide to the City Churches. In my view the book is outstanding, filled with fine detail, expert knowledge and a wry sense of humour.The format is a compilation of guides to the individual churches with as much or little detail as is warranted by the subject. An introduction to Wren's work is useful and the glossary of architectural terms vital.
My favourite passage concerns St Magnus the Martyr where extraordinary words and thoughts flow freely, and had both us and the vicar in fits, enhancing the visit considerably. On the other hand, the photographs are a little dull and black and white.
I owe the authors a debt for introducing me to some of the very best that London has to offer. And the churches are free to visit!
