London, one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world, has particular problems, trends and potentials which make its investigation an essential component of urban studies. The contributors examine the economic, social and political dimensions of its existence. The text analyzes aspects of London which have hitherto received little attention, such as gender divisions of labour and the impact of London's boroughs on life in the capital, and examines the city in its regional, national and international context.

Dumped by her boyfriend just in time for the holidays, reporter Rebecca Campbell heads for nearby Hamden to investigate the story of a benevolent stranger who appears every holiday to bestow a gift on a less fortunate soul, never expecting to find her life transformed by the joyful spirit of Hamden.