A Knowledge Examiner Speaks
To those studying ‘The Knowledge of London‘ (the deeply intensive course which one must undergo in order to become a licensed London taxi driver), the examiners are godlike.
Knowledge examiners at the Public Carriage Office, Islington- as featured on the BBC’s 1996 documentary, ‘Streetwise’.
It is now possible to garner a glimpse into their mysterious world thanks to former examiner, Chris Ackrill who has just published his book; ‘From Manor House Station to Gibson Square- and back again‘.
In his book, Chris- who himself passed The Knowledge in 1988 and still works as a cabbie today- talks about his life which has taken many interesting twists and turns over the years- even including a stint in Louisiana, USA.
Candid, detailed and brimming with humour, his autobiography makes for a truly unique read.
You can purchase Chris’ book via YPD Books– please click here for the link .
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Christmas Thanks
I would like to express my sincerest thanks to all of you who’ve supported my website and recent book throughout 2018; it means a great deal to me.
If you’ve not yet picked up a copy, ‘The Knowledge: Train Your Brain Like a Cabbie‘- which is packed with history, trivia, maps and memory techniques all beautifully illustrated by Jamie Whyte– makes an ideal stocking filler!
Here’s what people are saying:
“If you love London, you will love this book”
“Using humour and anecdotes, Robert brings the process to life and gets over what it actually feels like to study the Knowledge”
“A fascinating look into the memory techniques used to complete the hardest map test in the world”
“Definitely recommended”
“I didn’t think there was so much to learn about the Capital”
“Reading it has inspired me to take a trip to London as soon as possible to visit some of the great places I’ve been reading about!”
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The Knowledge: Train Your Brain Like a Cabbie is available both in bookshops and online.
Thank you so much again and I hope that you and your families have a wonderful Christmas and prosperous 2019.
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Appearance in The Guardian
I recently contributed a short piece to The Guardian newspaper detailing my approach to focus and memory. The article is out today (Saturday 13th October) and can be read online here.
View from the Mirror 