The Survey of London
A Survey of London, first published in 1598, is John Stow's description of the city he had lived in for seventy years, and it has been the starting point of London history since. Stow, a tailor turned antiquary, begins with the walls, rivers, ditch, bridges and gates, the towers and castles, the schools, customs, sports and watches, then walks ward by ward through London, recording every church and its monuments, every great house, hall and conduit, and what he had seen change in his lifetime. This Everyman's Library edition, with an introduction by Henry B. Wheatley, gives Stow's own text rather than the enlargements of later editors, so that the reader sees the London of Shakespeare's day. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about The Survey of London
The Survey of London by John Stow can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read The Survey of London online?
Yes. The Survey of London opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is The Survey of London free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of The Survey of London is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Survey of London in the public domain?
Yes. The Survey of London by John Stow is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Survey of London?
About 15 h of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Survey of London?
The Survey of London by John Stow is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
