Real Bloomsbury - A new book that promises to provide a glimpse into the “real Bloomsbury” launched this week in Queen Square.

A NEW book that promises to provide a glimpse into the “real Bloomsbury” will be launched this week at a celebration in Queen Square. 

Real Bloomsbury, which was published last month, is the latest in a series of titles designed to help visitors get under the skin of localities.
 

Its author, Nicholas Murray (pictured), who lives in the area, said the book explored Bloomsbury’s past and famous residents. 

“The series isn’t a set of guidebooks ­– they are more personal than that,” explained Mr Murray. “The book is about how I see Bloomsbury. It isn’t a history, although there is a lot of reference to the past, with all the 18th- and 19th-century buildings in the area. 
 

“All sorts of well-known people have lived here. The book is definitely not about the Bloomsbury Group but obviously one cannot avoid talking about them when referring to the area.”

Mr Murray said he thought the book would have a wide appeal because of its setting.

He said: “When I first came to university in the 1970s, I rolled out of Euston station and hit Bloomsbury. It was the first part of London I encountered and it has been part of my life ever since. I think that is the same for a lot of people, it is such a fascinating place.”

• Real Bloomsbury is published by Seren Books priced £9.99.