London: A History

Idiosyncratic, comprehensive, and impeccably researched, this master work by a revered artist unveils one of the world’s most famous cities from pre-history to the present, in all its epic glory.

Imagine a kaleidoscopic view of a storied city—from the remote past to today—brought to life in magnificent illustrations. Laura Carlin’s breathtaking artwork animates thousands of years of London history, beginning long before there were cities—when dinosaurs roamed the Earth—and ending with the 2022 death of a beloved monarch. Teeming panoramic spreads track the Ice, Stone, and Bronze Ages; waves of Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings, and Normans; and witch hunts and wars both civil and global. From the Plague and the Great Fire of the 1600s to the world wars of the twentieth century, from the lives of the royals to those of housemaids and factory workers, this loving tribute to London through the ages thoughtfully curates passages from historical accounts, poems, and the private diaries of luminaries like Samuel Pepys, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf, allowing the city to speak through its famous denizens. An exquisite gift book for art lovers, history buffs, and world travelers of all ages, this rich compendium is for anyone who has fallen—or has yet to fall—under the spell of one of the world’s most bewitching cities.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs