Author(s): Niall Kishtainy

History

In a brilliant and original new history of London, Niall Kishtainy weaves together visions of utopia through the ages to offer a unique history of ideas and introduce London as the capital of utopian thought.

The Infinite City combines narrative history, biography and philosophy to show how London has been the hive of visionary thought for centuries.



Utopian thinking has long been a reflection of the needs and deficiencies of the day. In this soaring new work, Kishtainy draws us into the imaginative worlds of Thomas More, the Diggers, William Morris and Extinction Rebellion protestors. He introduces us to thinkers like Thomas Spence who threw coins stamped with the words 'YOU FOOLS' into the alleys of Holborn. To Ada Salter who was the first woman borough councillor in London and ignited the Bermondsey Revolution. To ninety-two-year-old Dolly Watson who became the queen of Claremont Road in Leytonstone during the Reclaim the Streets protests in the 1990s. These are inspiring tales of people drew might from the city around them and fought for their ideologies in the increasingly transforming world.



Beginning in the 16th century and stretching to the contemporary transformation of the Eastend docklands and to the COVID lockdowns, The Infinite City shows how London's spirit has been one of visionary imagination amid relentless change and innovation.