Through Time: London

Third in the Through Time series, this detailed full-color book explores the history of London from “Neolithic camp” to the modern city it is today. Significant events throughout the centuries are covered on double-page spreads: “Plague!—A.D. 1348” headlines a disease-ridden city, where diminutive figures bury their dead and captions label landmarks (“houses are tightly packed together, so the infection spreads quickly”). The year 1666 marks the Great Fire, which is pictured blazing through the thatched roofs as residents scatter. Pages devoted to modern London highlight the technological advances made throughout its history: “rising property prices have driven factories out of London’s center,” and “glass skyscrapers... have transformed London’s skyline.” Cutaway views of various structures and concise but engaging text effectively capture the changing face of a city over time. Ages 6–10. (June)