The King’s City: A History of London During the Restoration: The City That Transformed a Nation

Post-Cromwellian London bursts to life with the Stuart dynasty’s restoration in this effortless account from Jordan (The King’s Bed, with Michael Walsh) that covers the years 1660–1685. He aptly dubs it an “age of transformation.” London under Charles II gained a glamorous court, a revitalized theater scene, and long-sought status as a leading city of trade. Jordan’s fast-paced and enjoyable narrative shows how London both benefited from and suffered under the central government’s perennial economic mismanagement, in light of which the city’s successes in trade and science were even more impressive. The discoveries and achievements of Robert Hooke, Samuel Pepys, Christopher Wren, and other notable intellectuals provide moments of excitement and passion as they changed London into a modern city untethered from medieval architecture and earlier restrictions on scientific innovation. Jordan also steadfastly examines Londoners’ increasing involvement in the slave trade over this period and the blatant corruption permeating their city. London shined during the Enlightenment but suffered nearly simultaneous catastrophes in the form of plague and a massive fire before sinking into a temporary decline. Through it all Jordan stays on task, offering a fresh perspective and enthusiasm for the era’s events and London’s adaptable residents. Illus. (Feb.)