Shot from above

During the Second World War, the RAF undertook a remarkable aerial survey of the British Isles.

Taking photographs from a low flying Spitfire, they mapped the whole of the United Kingdom.

A selection of these is published here for the first time.

Focusing on London, they show the havoc wreaked by the Luftwaffe.

Earlier historic aerial views from the National Monuments Record, from early balloon photos to views from the 1930s, are also included in the book.

Just as remarkable are the contemporary shots, taken by English Heritage's own aerial photographer, Damien Grady, who by flying at the same height in a helicopter, has either recreated these views or produced ones that complement the earlier photographs.

The book is laid out with the historic shot on one side of the page and the modern equivalent on the other.

For example, we see the Isle of Dogs and Canary Wharf reduced to rubble in the Second World War, compared with the shimmering metal and glass towers of today.

Another shots shows Heathrow, still a grassy field dotted with a few military planes during the war, unrecognisable compared with today's sprawling international airport.The historic shots show remarkable detail - factories with their roofs camouflaged to escape the attention of the German bombers; Hyde Park turned into allotments; even the details of films showing in Leicester Square.

Fascinating commentary is provided by London expert Steven Brindle, author of "Brunel and Paddington Station", who details the remarkable transformation the city has undergone during the last 60 years.