We're nearly through all sixteen chapters and addendum of Len Deighton's London Dossier. Having reached Chapter 14 last week it's time for a little breather and perhaps a catch up, if you've missed any of it. Also, Kevin needs a week off, bless him.
The front cover of Len Deighton's London Dossier. That eye peering through the die-cut keyhole belongs to none other than Britain's first top model, Twiggy.
Chapter 1: Teenagers - not as exciting as you might have hoped, given the swinging sixties backdrop but Purley turns out to be more exciting that you could imagine.
Chapter 2: Food - then as now there are oyster shells on the walls of De Hems
Chapter 3: Drink - getting a pint of lager in 1967 was tricky
Chapter 4: River - all driftwood belongs to the Queen
Chapter 5: Music - rock n roll is not heard of
Chapter 6: Self Indulgence - is game pie and Krug from Selfridges
Chapter 7: Mood - stay in bed and read the papers with Len
Chapter 8: Children - childcare provision was great and barrel organs were available for day hire
Chapter 9: Photography - snapping the London Policeman is a must (oh how things change)
Chapter 10: The Underworld - all strip clubs have broken kitchen chairs in them
Chapter 11: Slang - 'Fings Aint' What They Used To Be'
Chapter 12: Shopping - Karl Marx is buried next to a Mr Spenser. True.
Chapter 13: Sport - at Stamford Bridge the crowd is ‘clinically detached’
Chapter 14: Theatre - The Mousetrap had only been running 15 years
For an additional dose of Deighton, hie thee to The Deighton Dossier - a blog dedicated to all things Len. We'll pick up with Chapter 15 shortly.
