This is the sort of basic booklet that one ought to read before one sees the site, but which one often gets only at the site, and has to read later. I occurred to me in reading this that one of the advantages of Internet book buying is that one can now order such booklet before leaving on the trip.

This is a lavishly illustrated book on various aspects of Roman London, Londinium illustrated with archaeological findings from the British Museum and the Museum of London, along with reconstructive pictures of what it may have looked like, the growth of the walls, the wharfs, etc. As such, it doesn't give a particularly vivid word picture of the city, but it would be a good orientation piece. When I begin to study something, I often like to read short, simple works on the subject first, ;and then build up my knowledge by going on to more difficult works, which often assume that the reader has basic knowledge. This would be good for that purpose, as a supplement, as well as a source of basic knowledge for a tour of the site or a museum.

There are companion works: Londinium : a descriptive map and guide to Roman London and The London Wall Walk. ( )