Steven Brindle

Shot from Above Steven Brindle

During and after the Second World War the RAF undertook a remarkable aerial survey, mapping the whole of the British Isles. Published here for the first time, a selection of these photographs focusing on London reveals the havoc wreaked by the Luftwaffe. Earlier historic aerial views from the National Monuments Record and the Royal Aeronautical Society - from early balloon photos to images from the 1930s - are also included in the book. Just as remarkable are the contemporary shots, taken from a helicopter by English Heritage's aerial reconnaissance team led by Damian Grady, who have either recreated these views or produced ones that complement the earlier photographs.
The historic shots and their modern equivalents show us a city of constant change. For example, we see the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf reduced to rubble in the Second World War, compared with the shimmering metal and glass towers of today. Another shot shows Heathrow, still a grassy field dotted with planes during an air show, unrecognisable compared with today's sprawling international airport. The historic shots show stunning detail - from factories with their roofs camouflaged to escape the attention of the German bombers to shots of Hyde Park turned into allotments.
Fascinating commentary is provided by London historian Steven Brindle, who details the remarkable transformation the city has undergone during the last 60 years.