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Do Not Pass Go: From the Old Kent Road to Mayfair
A book that tells the story of London since the thirties through the 28 streets, stations and utililties of the Monopoly board. In the wonderful world of Monopoly it still only cost -50 to buy a house in Islington, you can move around London with the shake of a dice and even park your car for free. In Do Not Pass Go Tim Moore, belying his reputation as a player who always paid that -10 fine rather than take a Chance, fearlessly tackles the real thing and along the way tells the story of a game and the city that frames it. Sampling the rags and the riches he stays in a hotel in Mayfair and one in the Old Kent Road, enjoys quality time with Dr Crippen in Pentonville Prison and even winds up at the wrong end of the Water Works pipe. And, solving all the mysteries you'll have pondered whilst languishing in jail and many other you certainly wouldn't, Tim Moore reveals how Pall Mall got its name, which three addresses you won't find in your A-Z and why the sorry cul-de-sac that is Vine Street has a special place in the heart of Britain's most successful Monopoly champion. The stirring travelogue of one man's erratic progress around those 28 streets, stations and utilities, Do Not Pass Go is also an epic and lovingly researched history of London's wayward progress in the 66 years since the launch of the world's most popular board game
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
33 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
Tim Moore
34 books210 followersTim Moore is a British travel writer and humorist. He was educated at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith. In addition to his seven published travelogues to date, his writings have appeared in various publications including Esquire, The Sunday Times, The Independent, The Observer and the Evening Standard. He was also briefly a journalist for the Teletext computer games magazine Digitiser, under the pseudonym Mr Hairs, alongside Mr Biffo (aka comedy and sitcom writer Paul Rose.)
His book Frost On My Moustache is an account of a journey in which the author attempts to emulate Lord Dufferin's fearless spirit and enthusiastic adventuring, but comes to identify far more with Dufferin's permanently miserable butler, Wilson, as portrayed Dufferin's travel book Letters From High Latitudes.
In 2004, Moore presented an ITV programme based on his book Do Not Pass Go, a travelogue of his journey around the locations that appear on a British Monopoly board.
Moore lives in Chiswick, West London with his Icelandic wife Birna Helgadóttir and their three children, Kristján, Lilja and Valdis. He is also a brother-in-law of Agnar Helgason and Asgeir Helgason, and son-in-law of Helgi Valdimarsson.
His book Frost On My Moustache is an account of a journey in which the author attempts to emulate Lord Dufferin's fearless spirit and enthusiastic adventuring, but comes to identify far more with Dufferin's permanently miserable butler, Wilson, as portrayed Dufferin's travel book Letters From High Latitudes.
In 2004, Moore presented an ITV programme based on his book Do Not Pass Go, a travelogue of his journey around the locations that appear on a British Monopoly board.
Moore lives in Chiswick, West London with his Icelandic wife Birna Helgadóttir and their three children, Kristján, Lilja and Valdis. He is also a brother-in-law of Agnar Helgason and Asgeir Helgason, and son-in-law of Helgi Valdimarsson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 14, 2019
A look at the 28 addresses on the UK Monopoly board. This book was written in 2002, so it's an interesting snapshot of London after the neoliberal 90s, but before the last 15 years of real-estate feeding frenzy. (It's also a snapshot of humor writing from 2002, which can be a bit much). Moore shares the history of all the places he visited, sometimes going back to the Roman era, with special emphasis on how they would have looked and felt to a visitor in the mid 1930s, when the UK version of monopoly was developed. Do Not Pass Go is full of facts and history, and is great for provoking further research into the history of London. At times the author is clearly trying too hard to provoke a laugh, but even the clunkier chapters were full of history and lore, & I kept reading despite Moore's cringier attempts at 'humor'. The "Advance to Go", "Free Parking", & "Mr Monopoly" chapters stood out as my favorites. Finally this book has whet my appetite for board games and also a working public transit system.
June 21, 2015
Highly original or tediously convoluted, opinion is firmly split on this book – but one thing is for sure: Tim Moore's attempt at dissecting the British capital by exploring the streets on its Monopoly board does provide the tired trope of the London guidebook with a never-used-before angle, and because of this sheds some new light on the city, all of which could have been a bit more enjoyable if Mr. Moore had employed less of his ample talent trying to live up to that damning epithet splashed across the front of the book: “The new Bill Bryson”.
July 4, 2022
As a former London guide & permanent Londoner with deep roots in Southwark, I loved this clever and amusing tour of London streets & locations by a celebrated & satrirical travel writer.
Although London has changed beyond many of our instant recognitions, this 2002 book captures some of the constant change that shows London as both a historical city with millions of stories to tell & a progressive, modern metropolis, a magnet for refugees, immigrants & misfits bringing new ideas, energies & cultures. Twenty years on, London is bursting with human & animal life.
Tim Moore uses the legendary 'Monopoly' board as a driving force behind a highly-entertaining 340 pages, as he hops & jumps here & there, following the age-old game's odd, property choices when first 'Londonised' in the late 1920s, with so many children of my 'boomer' generation growing-up with the intricacies of London's most famous landmarks & thoroughfares. From Old Kent Road to Mayfair, with 4 railway termini, Free Parking & 'Go To Jail'...not to mention 'Community Chest' & the plastic houses and hotels...top hat, battleship, & terrier!
Moore brings these places to life again with all kinds of wry & pungent observations, nostalgic anecdotes & his own adolescent memories...so many notions about the complex whys & wherefores of London's unique streets & pavements...& the variety people who walked them in an era when so much was changing with the railways (under the ground too!), bloody motor cars, the ruthless, malign property developers & the eternal array of eccentrics, madmen (& madwomen too!) & so many people realising that the streets were not paved with gold....but that there were ways & means to make a pound or two! Nothing has changed there then!
One of the best reads about my manor...London!...& the fact that I was saying to myself 'I didn't know that!' so often, is recommendation enough for any Londonophile seeking some esoteric facts about why this city still draws millions of visitors & trillions of pounds, dollars &...ahem!...EUuros! You can't collect £200 though!...you are on your way to jail! (Joke!).
Although London has changed beyond many of our instant recognitions, this 2002 book captures some of the constant change that shows London as both a historical city with millions of stories to tell & a progressive, modern metropolis, a magnet for refugees, immigrants & misfits bringing new ideas, energies & cultures. Twenty years on, London is bursting with human & animal life.
Tim Moore uses the legendary 'Monopoly' board as a driving force behind a highly-entertaining 340 pages, as he hops & jumps here & there, following the age-old game's odd, property choices when first 'Londonised' in the late 1920s, with so many children of my 'boomer' generation growing-up with the intricacies of London's most famous landmarks & thoroughfares. From Old Kent Road to Mayfair, with 4 railway termini, Free Parking & 'Go To Jail'...not to mention 'Community Chest' & the plastic houses and hotels...top hat, battleship, & terrier!
Moore brings these places to life again with all kinds of wry & pungent observations, nostalgic anecdotes & his own adolescent memories...so many notions about the complex whys & wherefores of London's unique streets & pavements...& the variety people who walked them in an era when so much was changing with the railways (under the ground too!), bloody motor cars, the ruthless, malign property developers & the eternal array of eccentrics, madmen (& madwomen too!) & so many people realising that the streets were not paved with gold....but that there were ways & means to make a pound or two! Nothing has changed there then!
One of the best reads about my manor...London!...& the fact that I was saying to myself 'I didn't know that!' so often, is recommendation enough for any Londonophile seeking some esoteric facts about why this city still draws millions of visitors & trillions of pounds, dollars &...ahem!...EUuros! You can't collect £200 though!...you are on your way to jail! (Joke!).
January 17, 2015
Despite never really expecting to, I've long enjoyed Tony Hawks' books. The humour and invention with which he manages to make a travelogue into something that is part challenge and part joke is wonderful to read and a lot of fun to boot. He's dragged me off to places I've never been and always made sure I'd enjoy the ride.
Tim Moore, on the other hand, plans to take me somewhere I have been before. He's planning a trip around the Monopoly board and the London streets they are named after. I've played Monopoly many times, although I'd never say it's my favourite game and, as a Londoner myself, I've walked on many of the streets featured, if only because I had a reason to be there. But I've never been to a street purely because I'd seen it on the Monopoly Board and I certainly wouldn't claim to be obsessed with the game.
After discussing his own history with the game and the fascination of many with London, Moore starts his Monopoly tour hundreds of miles outside London, in Leeds. For this is where the origins of Monopoly in the UK begin, at the headquarters of John Waddington, who first bought the UK rights to the game and set about publishing a version with London streets, rather than American ones.
Moore follows the journey that Norman Watson and Marjorie Phillips of Waddington's would have taken into London to work out the names of their streets. Like them, and many travellers from Leeds since, he arrived at King's Cross. Unlike many in King's Cross, however, Moore has nothing more risqué than Monopoly on his mind, even if he does end up playing it with a pre-op Brazilian transsexual. Let the game and tour begin.
Moore's next roll is an eight, which takes him on to Whitehall. From here, the course of the book is set, as Moore travels from square to square or, more accurately from coloured set to set, investigating the history of the streets and the people that live and work on them. Not missing a trick, he also takes us on side steps through the non-street squares, visiting a prison, a water works, the electric company and the stations and also managing to test whether "Free Parking" is actually possible within the limits of Monopoly London.
Apart from a few interesting diversions, however, the majority of Moore's tour takes much the same form. He goes somewhere and talks about the past of the streets or the area. Whilst occasionally fascinating, most of this is terribly dull. Indeed, most of the past he comments upon seems to have been taken from a limited number of sources: a Mass Observation Report, the words of Harold Clunn and a 1933 Directory of London. It is only when Moore breaks from his journey around the board that things get a little more interesting and amusing.
In fairness, what seems to let Moore down is that Monopoly London is rather dull. It takes in virtually none of London's major tourist attractions, instead covering the major shopping areas, some residential but mostly business and entertainment areas. This last wouldn't be so bad if what Moore actually did was look into the entertainment. Instead, it seems that all he does is look at the buildings from the outside and bemoan their past.
Moore's writing isn't the best, either. He seems to be quite smug about the whole thing, as if he's imparting knowledge that no-one else has. It doesn't seem to occur to him that there isn't anyone else who cares enough to have gone looking for it before him. There are some snippets of fascination, but even these seem to be presented with that same smug expression. The declaration on the book's cover that Moore is "a rare comic talent" seems to be misleading as well. His comic talent appears only rarely and when it does, it's often at the expense of someone else, rather than something genuinely funny. Again, there are exceptions to this, with the "Free Parking" chapter being perhaps the best of them, but there's little to make you laugh aloud.
Much like Keith Lowe's "Tunnel Vision", the whole book feels like a wasted opportunity. It's a wonderful idea, both for fans of Monopoly and London alike, but there feels as if there could be so much more behind it. Admittedly history was never my favourite subject and it may be that someone with more of an interest in the past than I may get more from this book than I have. But Moore's meandering journey around London lacks the sparkle and wit of a Tony Hawks book and contains little excitement or anticipation. Very quickly, you come to know roughly what's going to happen next, with only the where being undecided. It may be this aspect that makes the side trips seem more interesting by comparison.
If you're looking for information on the history of London, you may well be better off buying a history book. The information will be presented in no more interesting a fashion, but there will be more of what you're looking for. As a tourist guide or travelogue, "Do Not Pass Go" is next to useless, taking you to places that were, more often than to places that are.
If you're a fan of Tony Hawks, looking for something in a similar style but a little closer to home, as I was, I can only advise to avoid this. The differences in interest and information are enough to make Moore seem worse than he probably really is, but the whole book for me felt like a bit of a let down.
The only way this might interest you is if you're a complete Monopoly addict, which seems to be why Moore was interested in the first place. If you've wondered about the streets behind the game, but have never had the opportunity to visit, this may be of some fascination. For those Monopoly addicts living in or close to the city, you'd probably be better off buying a Travelcard and having a wander around on your own time. If you choose to read this instead, start with low expectations, as that's the only way you're likely to be rewarded.
This review may also appear under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
Tim Moore, on the other hand, plans to take me somewhere I have been before. He's planning a trip around the Monopoly board and the London streets they are named after. I've played Monopoly many times, although I'd never say it's my favourite game and, as a Londoner myself, I've walked on many of the streets featured, if only because I had a reason to be there. But I've never been to a street purely because I'd seen it on the Monopoly Board and I certainly wouldn't claim to be obsessed with the game.
After discussing his own history with the game and the fascination of many with London, Moore starts his Monopoly tour hundreds of miles outside London, in Leeds. For this is where the origins of Monopoly in the UK begin, at the headquarters of John Waddington, who first bought the UK rights to the game and set about publishing a version with London streets, rather than American ones.
Moore follows the journey that Norman Watson and Marjorie Phillips of Waddington's would have taken into London to work out the names of their streets. Like them, and many travellers from Leeds since, he arrived at King's Cross. Unlike many in King's Cross, however, Moore has nothing more risqué than Monopoly on his mind, even if he does end up playing it with a pre-op Brazilian transsexual. Let the game and tour begin.
Moore's next roll is an eight, which takes him on to Whitehall. From here, the course of the book is set, as Moore travels from square to square or, more accurately from coloured set to set, investigating the history of the streets and the people that live and work on them. Not missing a trick, he also takes us on side steps through the non-street squares, visiting a prison, a water works, the electric company and the stations and also managing to test whether "Free Parking" is actually possible within the limits of Monopoly London.
Apart from a few interesting diversions, however, the majority of Moore's tour takes much the same form. He goes somewhere and talks about the past of the streets or the area. Whilst occasionally fascinating, most of this is terribly dull. Indeed, most of the past he comments upon seems to have been taken from a limited number of sources: a Mass Observation Report, the words of Harold Clunn and a 1933 Directory of London. It is only when Moore breaks from his journey around the board that things get a little more interesting and amusing.
In fairness, what seems to let Moore down is that Monopoly London is rather dull. It takes in virtually none of London's major tourist attractions, instead covering the major shopping areas, some residential but mostly business and entertainment areas. This last wouldn't be so bad if what Moore actually did was look into the entertainment. Instead, it seems that all he does is look at the buildings from the outside and bemoan their past.
Moore's writing isn't the best, either. He seems to be quite smug about the whole thing, as if he's imparting knowledge that no-one else has. It doesn't seem to occur to him that there isn't anyone else who cares enough to have gone looking for it before him. There are some snippets of fascination, but even these seem to be presented with that same smug expression. The declaration on the book's cover that Moore is "a rare comic talent" seems to be misleading as well. His comic talent appears only rarely and when it does, it's often at the expense of someone else, rather than something genuinely funny. Again, there are exceptions to this, with the "Free Parking" chapter being perhaps the best of them, but there's little to make you laugh aloud.
Much like Keith Lowe's "Tunnel Vision", the whole book feels like a wasted opportunity. It's a wonderful idea, both for fans of Monopoly and London alike, but there feels as if there could be so much more behind it. Admittedly history was never my favourite subject and it may be that someone with more of an interest in the past than I may get more from this book than I have. But Moore's meandering journey around London lacks the sparkle and wit of a Tony Hawks book and contains little excitement or anticipation. Very quickly, you come to know roughly what's going to happen next, with only the where being undecided. It may be this aspect that makes the side trips seem more interesting by comparison.
If you're looking for information on the history of London, you may well be better off buying a history book. The information will be presented in no more interesting a fashion, but there will be more of what you're looking for. As a tourist guide or travelogue, "Do Not Pass Go" is next to useless, taking you to places that were, more often than to places that are.
If you're a fan of Tony Hawks, looking for something in a similar style but a little closer to home, as I was, I can only advise to avoid this. The differences in interest and information are enough to make Moore seem worse than he probably really is, but the whole book for me felt like a bit of a let down.
The only way this might interest you is if you're a complete Monopoly addict, which seems to be why Moore was interested in the first place. If you've wondered about the streets behind the game, but have never had the opportunity to visit, this may be of some fascination. For those Monopoly addicts living in or close to the city, you'd probably be better off buying a Travelcard and having a wander around on your own time. If you choose to read this instead, start with low expectations, as that's the only way you're likely to be rewarded.
This review may also appear under my name at any or all of www.ciao.co.uk, www.thebookbag.co.uk, www.goodreads.com, www.amazon.co.uk and www.dooyoo.co.uk
January 11, 2022
I've always loved playing Monopoly (I think we have at least four different versions!) and have been meaning to read this for a while.
I enjoyed all the references to the game, including bits of its history, and even more all the associated fascinating facts - I’ve been to London many times, but still learnt a great deal from reading this.
My only criticism is in the writing, which felt a little hyperbolic at times (possibly just more old-fashioned than I’m used to?)
Definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of the game and/or interested in knowing a bit more about London; and it left me with a smile on my face!
I enjoyed all the references to the game, including bits of its history, and even more all the associated fascinating facts - I’ve been to London many times, but still learnt a great deal from reading this.
My only criticism is in the writing, which felt a little hyperbolic at times (possibly just more old-fashioned than I’m used to?)
Definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of the game and/or interested in knowing a bit more about London; and it left me with a smile on my face!
May 5, 2017
Great if you like Monopoly, London, history and humour. Would read again
February 20, 2019
An interesting tour of London's streets as featured on the game of Monopoly. Lots of facts, a fair few smiles and laughs along the way. Not QUITE as much fun as 'You Are Awful - But I like You' by the same Author, but still worth the candle.
September 13, 2013
A great read but would love to see a revised version with illustrations to save me looking places up online every 5 minutes!!!!
September 21, 2017
A modern-day romp through the properties on the British (and Australian) version of Monopoly. I loved the tour through the Old Kent Road to Mayfair.
June 28, 2020
I don't think I was aware of this Tim Moore work so discovering it was a welcome surprise, although I don't consider it his best. As is his signature, he combines a wacky reason for writing a travelogue with interesting history in a humorous manner, but there wasn't the variety of experiences that made his better books more entertaining.
The premise was to walk the roads on the UK Monopoly board, as well as visiting stations, a jail and utilities. To his credit, he does at least arrange interviews with people who work at Lots Road power station and retail associations, which at least means it isn't just his musings as he walks around. But some of his escapades (especially in the yellows) felt a bit flat, and failed to live up to the early peak of social awkwardness with a transvestite prostitute. The writing itself wasn't as funny as many of his other books, and could have done with some pictures of the grander houses he was describing, as the number of buildings he talked about surely dwarfs the number most people can recall. Yet strangely the TV series seems a bit too slow based on the few minutes I could tolerate on Youtube, in which the most notable feature is Moore sporting earrings and also a nerd's backpack.
The good thing about this book was that it stuck to the Monopoly theme and didn't become another history of London, but with a level of research well beyond the minimum required for an unorthodox jaunt. He seems to have a level of enthusiasm for sad male things that meant the earrings were such a shock, but the stories are rarely dry. Unfortunately, they are just a bit similar to each other, and I preferred other Tour of London books in sailing boats and underground trains even if I did learn a lot during his feud with Modernist and automobile fans Harold Clunn.
The premise was to walk the roads on the UK Monopoly board, as well as visiting stations, a jail and utilities. To his credit, he does at least arrange interviews with people who work at Lots Road power station and retail associations, which at least means it isn't just his musings as he walks around. But some of his escapades (especially in the yellows) felt a bit flat, and failed to live up to the early peak of social awkwardness with a transvestite prostitute. The writing itself wasn't as funny as many of his other books, and could have done with some pictures of the grander houses he was describing, as the number of buildings he talked about surely dwarfs the number most people can recall. Yet strangely the TV series seems a bit too slow based on the few minutes I could tolerate on Youtube, in which the most notable feature is Moore sporting earrings and also a nerd's backpack.
The good thing about this book was that it stuck to the Monopoly theme and didn't become another history of London, but with a level of research well beyond the minimum required for an unorthodox jaunt. He seems to have a level of enthusiasm for sad male things that meant the earrings were such a shock, but the stories are rarely dry. Unfortunately, they are just a bit similar to each other, and I preferred other Tour of London books in sailing boats and underground trains even if I did learn a lot during his feud with Modernist and automobile fans Harold Clunn.
September 1, 2022
I really wanted to like this. It starts with one of my favorite premises for a travel book, after all: "propose some silly/obscure/geeky/nerdy reason to go exploring; do so; mix description of travels liberally with humor and local history (preferably also silly/obscure/geeky/nerdy); come up with some hidden truth surfaced by the seemingly silly reason".
This prompt rests on three main legs: silly/geeky motivation, humorous narrative, and an abundance of history. And while Do Not Pass Go does contain all three of these items, it still failed to please, for one very basic reason.
I didn't find it funny. In fact, I found it repellant.
Oh, I could see where the author was "being humorous" - he was indeed very liberal with it. Unfortunately, I didn't think his humor was funny. It all seemed very snide and mean-spirited, too often based on sneering insults thrown in, usually in the form of brief, unflattering descriptors about the person or place. Though they are often no more than a word long - a single adjective - their constant drip into the narrative gave it a prevadingly condescending, determinedly grumpy, supercilious flavor.
In short, the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is that it was too competently written to merit that lowest rating. I do not recommend you read this, and I will be removing any other books by this author from my "want to read" list.
This prompt rests on three main legs: silly/geeky motivation, humorous narrative, and an abundance of history. And while Do Not Pass Go does contain all three of these items, it still failed to please, for one very basic reason.
I didn't find it funny. In fact, I found it repellant.
Oh, I could see where the author was "being humorous" - he was indeed very liberal with it. Unfortunately, I didn't think his humor was funny. It all seemed very snide and mean-spirited, too often based on sneering insults thrown in, usually in the form of brief, unflattering descriptors about the person or place. Though they are often no more than a word long - a single adjective - their constant drip into the narrative gave it a prevadingly condescending, determinedly grumpy, supercilious flavor.
In short, the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is that it was too competently written to merit that lowest rating. I do not recommend you read this, and I will be removing any other books by this author from my "want to read" list.
August 26, 2019
This was my fourth read of this book, and I think the reason why I kept wanting to return to it was because of Tim Moore's illustration of London, specifically by visiting every location on the standard British Monopoly board.
Moore has been rightfully compared to Bill Bryson, because the book is littered with anecdotes, usually quite self-deprecating, about his visits to different locations, which are filled with Bryson's style of humour mixed with complete bafflement. My favourite of these anecdotes is in the final chapter, and involves a misunderstanding while attempting to purchase jellied eels, which ends in him making a fool of himself.
The rest of the book is filled with historical information, which is mixed with the same humour as the rest of the book. Plus, there are his observations as to how things have changed significantly since the game was originally produced, as well as comments about how some of the choices of streets and locations are a little unusual. Maybe someone should do this for the American version of Monopoly.
Moore has been rightfully compared to Bill Bryson, because the book is littered with anecdotes, usually quite self-deprecating, about his visits to different locations, which are filled with Bryson's style of humour mixed with complete bafflement. My favourite of these anecdotes is in the final chapter, and involves a misunderstanding while attempting to purchase jellied eels, which ends in him making a fool of himself.
The rest of the book is filled with historical information, which is mixed with the same humour as the rest of the book. Plus, there are his observations as to how things have changed significantly since the game was originally produced, as well as comments about how some of the choices of streets and locations are a little unusual. Maybe someone should do this for the American version of Monopoly.
February 2, 2021
I’m a massive monopoly fan, more so in recent years, I couldn’t believe my luck when I found this book on my own shelves!!
It’s a little out of date now, I think it was written about 18 years ago, but an interesting book for monopoly fans or history buffs alike. All stories are told with warmth and humour.
There’s history of the game and its concept interwoven with the history of the real streets, really interesting.
However, like any good monopoly game, it’s fun, but goes on a little too long in places!
It’s a little out of date now, I think it was written about 18 years ago, but an interesting book for monopoly fans or history buffs alike. All stories are told with warmth and humour.
There’s history of the game and its concept interwoven with the history of the real streets, really interesting.
However, like any good monopoly game, it’s fun, but goes on a little too long in places!
July 8, 2021
An amazing read. I learned about London, Monopoly, and so much more. I found it fascinating how choosing a particular time can help you look at a location through that lens, and compare it to what came before and afterwards. Just like the game is filled with highs and lows, so is the book. I was also dismayed at how much of London was leveled in the name of misguided progress. I also chuckled at Moore’s escapades. Highly recommended for history buffs, armchair travelers, and those looking for adventure off the beaten path.
January 1, 2024
3.5 stars.
A history book about London - hanging off the framework of Monopoly, the boardgame.
Quite amusing in places.
Many interesting facts are contained therein.
In a several places, Mr. Moore scribes some lovely turns of phrase, e.g.
"Fingers were at work on the celestial dimmer switch, but as dawn became morn it wasn't getting any warmer."
"shards of black plastic and pirouetting Duracells" (about a transistor radio that falls to the ground and smashes)
"...I was already feeling the wayward tetchiness of a toddler in Tesco's".
A history book about London - hanging off the framework of Monopoly, the boardgame.
Quite amusing in places.
Many interesting facts are contained therein.
In a several places, Mr. Moore scribes some lovely turns of phrase, e.g.
"Fingers were at work on the celestial dimmer switch, but as dawn became morn it wasn't getting any warmer."
"shards of black plastic and pirouetting Duracells" (about a transistor radio that falls to the ground and smashes)
"...I was already feeling the wayward tetchiness of a toddler in Tesco's".
September 24, 2021
28 squares around the world. This is a loving, funny and brilliant look at Monopoly. From its humble origins as the Landlord Game to the billion-dollar industry of today, Moore casts an enthusiast eye over the whole complex and surprisingly random history of this game. That Moore is blessed with a witty cynicism and a cool wit is an extra bonus. Follow him around London and elsewhere as he recreates a bygone era, one dice-roll at a time. Brilliantly bonkers and a lot of fun.
September 30, 2021
Enjoyed history of Monopoly, London and the changes of each area right up to the modern day (well, 20yrs ago now). Loads of fun facts. Not knowing the city too well, it would be a good visual TV documentary series. The idea of moving around the board streets at the roll of a dice (finishing on the first square, Old Kent Rd) was bizarre, and the search for hotels in each chapter I feel dragged the book maybe 50-80 pages too long, but I would reccomend this book.
January 21, 2022
A fun and interesting lap around the streets on the Monopoly board. The researched history is fascinating and adventures made me laugh out loud at times
In London I have always been rushing from one place to another, rarely stopping to look around. I’d realised I’d been on many of these streets but couldn’t remember the buildings or features. This book has inspired me to do my own Monopoly adventure one day, but to take time to look around at the buildings, streets and history.
In London I have always been rushing from one place to another, rarely stopping to look around. I’d realised I’d been on many of these streets but couldn’t remember the buildings or features. This book has inspired me to do my own Monopoly adventure one day, but to take time to look around at the buildings, streets and history.
January 3, 2023
Some interesting facts about the Monopoly places, that could have done with being summarised at the end, so that I could learn them!
Some of the sections with historical references were a bit tough going, but well worth it. The personal bits were more enjoyable than the life and times bits.
Worth a read of you have a fancy in Monopoly (you'll like the ideas for game rule variations at the start of the book!) or in the places they represent.
Some of the sections with historical references were a bit tough going, but well worth it. The personal bits were more enjoyable than the life and times bits.
Worth a read of you have a fancy in Monopoly (you'll like the ideas for game rule variations at the start of the book!) or in the places they represent.
May 30, 2019
Moore lives one of my childhood dreams - touring the Monopoly board.
While I've now, in adulthood, visited most of the places found on the classic British board, Moore delves much deeper into their history than I ever have, and does so with a Brysonesque charm.
While I've now, in adulthood, visited most of the places found on the classic British board, Moore delves much deeper into their history than I ever have, and does so with a Brysonesque charm.
December 27, 2019
It says something about me that I'd rather read a book about Monopoly than actually play the game... This is a pretty good read; a mix of history of the game, history of London and comedy. Not Bryson-quality writing, but fun nonetheless. A little dated.
February 19, 2021
No surprise: the Monopoly gameboard Americans hold dear is different in the U.K., being based instead on London neighborhoods and streets -- hence, no Boardwalk, but hello Mayfair. For Jail, you've Pentonville Prison with all British graciousness on offer.
The differences may confuse those raised on the American Monopoly board, but what a great way to experience London, as the always-funny Moore rolls the dice, lifts a card and then journeys to that street or neighborhood, offering its history and a taste of what it's like today (or at least circa late 1990s). I've read nearly all he's written, and for fans of Moore and Anglophiles generally, you can't Pass Go or this book.
The differences may confuse those raised on the American Monopoly board, but what a great way to experience London, as the always-funny Moore rolls the dice, lifts a card and then journeys to that street or neighborhood, offering its history and a taste of what it's like today (or at least circa late 1990s). I've read nearly all he's written, and for fans of Moore and Anglophiles generally, you can't Pass Go or this book.
September 4, 2024
I don't care much for London, nor Monopoly, but I'm enough of a sucker for Tim Moore that I really quite enjoyed this - even if some of the humor hasn't aged quite gracefully from the just-post-9/11-era this was written in.
August 18, 2019
Well, now I am just going to have to read every other book he wrote. What a fantastic read! Informative, whacky and funny in equal doses. Absolutely loved it.
October 19, 2019
Loved it! Both funny and informative.
November 25, 2019
abandoned without completing. Too boring and dated. attempt at humour is commendable, but doesn't make reading any less tedious.
November 28, 2019
Good concept but it's a bit dated.
May 7, 2020
Interesting history of Londonfor the 1930s onwards, it does try a little too hard to be funny at times. Enjoyable.
December 18, 2020
Been wanting to read this for ages. Bitterly disappointed! Humour far too forced, and probably now dated!
April 5, 2021
Interesting information about London, but the humour is not my cup of tea.
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