Certainly a worthy addition any collection of Underground books, and a nice alternative for one that already includes the other fine books of photographs of the Underground and its stations.


More than pictures   August 13, 2002
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Simon is a naturally gifted photographer whose pictures reflect truly is vision of life.
In this case his vision of The Tube, a transport system that he shares with millions of commuters daily.
I was and still am fascinated by these beautiful pictures. I keep looking at them and memories flow back to me of some station I have used.
The colours perfectly well represent the reality of everyday life in the Tube; bright colours that bring a bit of life on a dull rainy day.
This is a must have for any Londonner...


Beautifully designed and subtle book   January 28, 2002
 7 out of 10 found this review helpful

The pretext of such a book always gives me a sense of dread that it will be some glossy, superficial and vacuous book that you purchase as a present out of desperation. Fortunately Simon James has produced a book that is intelligent, witty and subtle. The book has also been blessed with a truly excelent design.

All this means that it is that rare thing, a book of photographs that will actually sell and may even entice new readers to the genre.


A Great Book concerning a Great Network   November 29, 2001
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I am somewhat envious of Simon James because he has actually done what I have been wanting to do for many years. To visit the far-flung ends of the individual Tube-lines has been an unfulfilled ambition for me, but what a complete and gratifying job Simon James has made of it. His revealing photographs and interesting captions deliver a sense of awe and wonderment concerning the Tube network as a whole. One hopes that if anyone from his publishing house reads these reviews, then they will commission Simon James to cover the rest of the Tube system for another volume. A most thought-provoking book! Very well done!


101 Underground Facts, you did not know you needed to know !   November 24, 2001
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This lovely book is certainly NOT one for anoraks ! It provides a unique, pictorial, history of some of the more obscure aspects of the London Undergroud. Literally a fascinating study which throws up numerous little nuggets of information which you did not know you needed to know.

The photographs are stunning, simply oozing quality and atmosphere - all taken on that great rangefinder camera, the Mamiya 7.

Some of the touches of the production are just so clever. Potted histories of the various lines have a background colour as used on the Underground map. Clever that !

James spends much time investigating the far flung ends of the lines - unknown to most who use the Tube.

Lines which are no more, stations which have been closed for nearly 100 years.

A very entertaining read.

Glyn Edmunds EFIAP