From Gilbert and George to the Kray Twins, from Cockney costermongers to cocky young bands posing in front of Banksy grafitti, let Bafta winning writer Alan Gilbey take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of another kind of London.

This is a book of history walks like no other (one's on a train for a start) written by a life long East Ender. Packed with facts, lies, sights, insights, bad jokes and more than a few strong opinions, this is an insider's guide to London's most exciting cultural quarter, perfect for people who wouldn't normally be seen dead with a book like this.

Based on the authors cult theatrical tours - and illustrated with maps, cartoons, photos and collages by the author and acclaimed animator Kate Sullivan - it's irreverent, pertinent, passionate and very funny: the antidote to Albert Square and all those bloody Jack The Ripper tours.

From the pouncing pirates of Wapping to the tikka touts of Brick Lane: from the rampaging radicals of Whitechapel to the Canary Wharf towers, there are a thousand years of history, thirty nine cobbled streets, one Tracy Emin and a distant smell of beigals in this book.

"Backpassage Walks are a hilarious alternative to the normal blue badge tours around East London, whilst remaining historically accurate and extremely informative. Alan Gilbey is the real thing, a genuine Eastender who knows his material intimately and an extraordinary performer and writer. I cannot recommend his walks enough and this unique book gives many more people the chance to take themselves on alternative walks away from well trodden territory."

Rachel Lichtenstein, author of 'Diamond Street', 'On Brick Lane' and 'Rodinski's Room' with Iain Sinclair.

One thousand copies sold. Now reprinting!

"A tour de farce…would make any music hall audience groan with laughter…the cool alternative option."

The Independent

 "Sharp and informative…unique."

The Guardian