Reference This: 5 Captivating Books Featuring Soho | My Soho Times

The allure of Soho as a storytelling hub is undeniable. Soho stands as the epicentre of Bohemian London, where creativity flourishes and permeates its walls, spilling out onto the streets. It comes as no surprise that this Central London district is often referenced in a plethora of media, spanning from art to literature, films to music. Editor Kai Lutterodt shares her recommended books delving into the essence of this vibrant locale.

But first, coffee…

As a Soho resident, and well, I suppose as a journalist too, I’m endlessly fascinated by the area I’m lucky enough to live, work and play in. Nothing quite compares to listening to tales of the old Soho from my local pals, i.e ‘the Soho Flâneurs‘ who really knew the area. It’s that or cosying up with a book that name-drops the very streets I nonchalantly stroll along today. Here are 5 books worth getting your hands on if you’re in anyway curious about Soho, then and now…

Queens of Bohemia: And Other Miss-Fits

In his latest book Queens of Bohemia And Other Misfits, artist Darren Coffield sheds light on the overlooked women who shaped the culture of 1920s-1930s Soho and Fitzrovia, London. These influential women were often marginalised, yet they played essential roles in literature and art, influencing and inspiring famous men. Using first-hand accounts and interviews, Coffield allows readers to explore the women’s voices and experiences, highlighting their strength and importance. The book pays tribute to their resilience and relationships that helped mould the creative culture of early 20th-century London. It makes a compelling read for anyone with an ounce of curiosity for the heyday of Bohemia.

RRP: £25, order a signed copy here.

Some Men In London: Queer Life, 1945-1959

In the 1940s, a moral panic erupted in London as homosexuality appeared to be on the rise after the war. Peter Parker’s anthology delves into the lives of queer men in London during this period, including both well-known figures and those living more discreet lives. The anthology draws from various sources such as letters, diaries, novels, films, and police records, presenting diverse perspectives on homosexuality. Volume I documents a community living under the constant threat of blackmail or imprisonment, while also showcasing a vibrant subculture that significantly contributed to mainstream culture. The upcoming second volume will cover the years 1960-1967, set for release on September 26th, 2024.

RRP: £30 available at bookshops here.

Local Legends: Hidden Pubs of London

Even to this day, they rarely feature in lists of the most famous or must-visit pubs of London. Most don’t even have a website and, with almost zero social media presence, you’ll soon realise that the pubs themselves are the social network. – John Warland & Horst Friedrichs

Local Legends delves into the lesser-known pubs, steering away from the famous establishments immortalised in literature or showcased in popular travel magazines. Instead, it uncovers the tucked-away gems, nestled in alleyways, behind archways, or off the beaten path. These hidden treasures, celebrated by pub tour guide and founder of Liquid History Tours, John Warland, along with acclaimed photographer, Horst Friedrichs, are introduced with a foreword by Madness frontman, Suggs.

RRP £32.50, available at bookshops here.

London Shopfronts

An illustrated love letter to London and the vivacious & diverse independent shops that colour our big smoke…

London Shopfronts is an illustrated book celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of London’s shops and businesses. Filled with vibrant illustrations capturing the spirit of the city’s most iconic shopfronts. The book, created by illustrator Joel Holland with descriptions by Time Out journalist Rosie Hewitson, and a forward by Chef Asthma Khan of Darjeeling Express, is a colourful tribute to the city and its hidden stories. Each page showcases gems like the smart blue shopfront of Neal’s Yard Dairy in Covent Garden, BAO in Soho, and the sweetshop-like displays of the London Review Bookshop. It makes a great guidebook around London… even for those Londoners well-versed in their city!

RRP £19.99, available here.

Some Kind’a Soho: The Voices of Disappearing Soho

If you were one of the lucky ones who snagged a copy of this independently published book back in the spring of 2022, consider yourself a true unicorn. Scouring the internet now, it seems this book is as mythical as a unicorn itself – sold out and nowhere to be found. Penned by Soho resident, David Saunders aka Rockin’ Dave, and featuring artistic portraits by critically acclaimed photographer Darren Russell, Some Kind’s Soho is a quirky mix of interviews and visual art, showcasing the “Soho-ites” reminiscing about old Soho and bemoaning its recent makeover. You can still spot these colourful characters weaving through the Soho tapestry on any given day.

RRP £18.00, currently unavailable but who knows, if you nag the publisher, they might oblige another print run here.

These books are an excellent choice for anyone fascinated by Soho and its neighbouring Bohemian villages. Treat yourself or a loved one with a thoughtful gift — as my aunty Marian would say, a word to the wise is enough!

Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl