The superb photographs in this book take the reader on a fascinating journey through the recent history of Hampstead, Kilburn, Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage, Primrose Hill and Chalk Farm. The pictures give and unforgettable impression of familiar streets and districts as they developed, and the book offers and evocative insight into the daily lives and living conditions of the residents in the early years of this century.

The collection features historic photographs of the now-fashionable streets when they were occupied by local tradesmen like the rat-catcher, the chimney-sweep and the bootmaker. It shows horse-drawn buses at Swiss Cottage and sheep grazing on Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. But perhaps the most striking pictures in the collection are those of Londoners who flocked to Hampstead at weekends in the early 1099s to be entertained by fairs, in tea-gardens and pubs. The publication of so many rare photographs in this book will add to the knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of everyone who takes a keen interest in the history of this famous part of north London.