Passport to Peckham

More about the book

An entertaining social and cultural history of Peckham, this account challenges perceptions of the area, often seen as a joke or a place to avoid. Celebrated in comedies yet criticized for crime, Peckham is a hub for the arts and creative industries, while grappling with social deprivation and racial tensions. This guide offers a ground-up perspective on an unofficial part of London, inviting readers to explore its streets and the community's modern challenges. Longtime residents and newcomers navigate the complexities of urban regeneration and gentrification, while Caribbean and West African communities enrich the local culture through music, drama, poetry, and film. By focusing on just a few square miles, the narrative raises broader questions about urban policy, planning, culture, and creativity. As London and other cities emerge from the COVID crisis, the experiences of Peckham provide valuable lessons in urban living, affirming the relevance of its story to wider societal issues. The insights from one of Britain's leading cultural critics resonate, suggesting that there is indeed much to learn from the joys and struggles of this vibrant community.