Greening of London, 1920–2000

Dr Matti O. Hannikainen studied history at the University of Helsinki, Finland, where he received his doctoral degree in 2014. He has worked extensively on the history of public green space in London as well as in Helsinki from the 19th century to the present. His research interests include urban history and environmental history. He is currently researching for a comparative history of the formation of modern metropolitan landscapes in the UK and in Germany during the late 20th century.

’Matti Hannikainen has done a fine job in providing what is the first planning history of London’s green spaces in the twentieth century. Skilfully researched and sharply written, it deserves the attention of all those interested in how green spaces survived and even thrived in the midst of Britain’s teeming metropolis.’ Simon Gunn, University of Leicester, UK 'As outdoor leisure declines, and open space becomes increasingly privatised, The Greening of London is a timely and important reminder that accessible open spaces and parklands were at the heart of the social history of London.' Mark Clapson, University of Westminster, UK 'A timely, innovative and very welcome record of an important subject. Deeply researched, this account makes a vital contribution to our understanding of where we are now in the fight to sustain green space in a major capital city.' Helen Meller, University of Nottingham, UK

• Introduction. Part I Growing Interest in Greening: 1920-1939: Provision of public green space in inter-war London; Leisure in public green space. Part II Greening with New Plans and Powers: 1940-1965: Post-war greening of London; Leisure in post-war green space. Part III Fragmentation and Revival: 1965-1999: Dispersal of planning and provision; Decline of outdoor leisure. Conclusion: the greening of London; Bibliography; Index.