The tube is an essential part of any Londoner’s everyday life.
A new book released this week, London’s Underground: The Story of the Tube by Oliver Green, with photographs by Benjamin Graham, details the history of the tube from its inception in 1863 to the sprawling underground network it is today.
Published in association with Transport for London, Green – a tube expert – traces the history of the Underground, through wartime and peace and the essential part it's played in shaping London’s economy, geography, tourism and identity.
When the tube was opened in 1863, it became the world’s first passenger underground line and was originally operated by steam locomotives. When the tube began to go deeper in 1890, this called for electric trains along with installations of elevators and escalators.
Mark Evers, Chief Customer Officer at Transport for London, says: “The London Underground is recognised around the world as a design icon and throughout its history has set many trends when it comes to architecture and design. This new book shows off the network in all its glory, while explaining the history and importance it has had on London as a city."
The new book features specially commissioned images by award-winning photographer Benjamin Graham which is paired with vintage posters and archived photos throughout the book.
Click through the gallery above to see a selection of images from London's Underground: The Story of the Tube by Oliver Green. Photography by Benjamin Green (White Lion Publishing, £35). Buy it here.
