This volume investigates how the visual representation of London has evolved through the eyes of artists from the medieval period to the mid-twentieth century. David Piper, a noted historian and former director of the National Portrait Gallery, utilizes a chronological framework to analyze how shifting artistic styles and cultural priorities transformed the city's image. By examining a wide array of visual media, the author argues that the artistic record provides a unique, layered history of London's physical and social development.

Experts frequently cite this work as a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of urban history and visual culture. Readers often note the clarity of the prose and the effectiveness of the curated illustrations in documenting the city's transformation.