Lady’s 11 Incredible London Books You Have to Read

It’s book time! I’ve written about my top picks for books to read while traveling, books to read about England, and Scottish fiction. I got great feedback from you, so today I want to share my list of the best London books. I hope you enjoy them.

Best London Books

The following is a list of some of my favorite London books. Whether they’re set here, reveal secrets of the city’s past or present, or just relate to London in some way, they’ve contributed to my love of this inspiring metropolis. I hope they do the same for you.

1. Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall is not only my top pick for London novels, but also one of my favorite books of all time. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, it covers a fascinating period of British history.

On top of that, Hilary Mantel’s signature style provides a refreshing break from the usual novel narrative. You can get it here.

2. Mrs Dalloway

Mrs Dalloway is another classic London novel. Virginia Woolf’s story of a day in the London life of Clarissa Dalloway dips and dives through many a London neighborhood, making it as fun to follow in the footsteps as it is to share in the story. You can get a copy here.

3. Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes is one of London’s most famous literary heroes, so it’s fitting to have Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s collection on my list of the best London books.

I’ve read through all 1,000+ pages of Sherlock Holmes: Vol 1: The Complete Novels and Stories and loved every bit. From Holmes’ wit to Watson’s devotion, it was impossible not to get attached. You can get it here.

4. A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is set between London and Paris around the time of the French Revolution.

Short but powerful, it tells a story of love and redemption that captivated my emotions even a century and a half after its publication. You can get it here.

5. Nineteen Eighty-Four

Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell’s dystopian classic, is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Big Brother’s London is a frightening place, and the novel is a powerful reminder of the danger of totalitarianism. You can get a copy here.

6. Her Fearful Symmetry

Another of my picks for the best London books is Audrey Niffenegger’s Her Fearful Symmetry. Taking place in Highgate, it tells the story of American twins who inherit a flat in London from an aunt they never knew they had.

When they arrive, they start to unravel a mystery that takes them into the iconic Highgate Cemetery and other beloved locations across the city. You can get it here.

7. Lonely Planet London

My list of London books wouldn’t be complete without some travel guidebooks.

When I first moved to the city I relied on Lonely Planet London to get me around, show me the ropes, and teach me about everything from London’s big attractions to its history and culture. You can get it here.

8. London’s Hidden Walks

On a more local level, London’s Hidden Walks is a set of three London books that’s great for discovering the city on foot. Given my love of walking and under-the-radar London neighborhoods, this series is right up my alley. You can get the set here.

9. London: A Social History

Whenever I need recommendations for books on London’s past, I turn to a friend who has a PhD in medieval London history from Oxford.

He recommends London: A Social History, a book about the city’s past, its rise and fall, and above all, its people. You can get a copy here.

10. A Bear Called Paddington

I’m a sucker for children’s books, and if there’s one I’ve loved since childhood it’s A Bear Called Paddington.

The original in what’s now a global franchise, this sweetest of London books tells the story of a Peruvian bear who travels to London and meets the Brown family by chance in Paddington Station. And so the adventures begin. You can get it here.

11. Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London

The last book on my list is one that’s personally special. It was written by my friend’s Australian cousin, Kate Knapp, who’s an amazing artist and children’s book author.

The third in a series about Ruby Red Shoes, an adorable aware hare, I love Ruby Red Shoes Goes to London for its setting, its beautiful illustrations of London, and the fact that my friend makes an appearance as Ruby’s cousin (in hare form, of course).

It’s currently only available in Australia, so if you’ve been looking for an excuse to travel Down Under, this is it.

Best Books about London

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of books about London and that it helped you find the most appealing titles for your taste.

From novels to non-fiction, guidebooks to children’s books, there are a lot of great choices when it comes to the UK capital. Happy reading!

What do you think are the best London books?

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