London: The Novel, Paperback/Edward Rutherfurd

London presents the sweeping saga of one of the greatest cities on earth - from the days of the Romans through two thousand years of history - as seen through the eyes of generations of the same six families. London is both a unique narrative exploration of the city's development from humble trading post to the hub of a mighty empire, and the very human story of the men and women who made it great. Through the compelling lives and adventures of memorable characters - Julius, the small-time Roman coin forger, risking his life to find buried treasure; Dame Barnikel, who runs the tavern where Chaucer and his pilgrims carouse; Geoffrey Ducket, the founder of a dynasty whose members one day become peers of England; Edmund Meredith and the actors in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre; and little Lucy, living by Dickens's muddy Thames - we watch London grow from its first beginnings and become part of the wonderful pageant that flows on still today.