Smith, Stephen 1961–

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Smith, Stephen 1961–

PERSONAL: Born 1961.

ADDRESSES: Agent—c/o Author Mail, Little, Brown & Co. Ltd., Brettenham House, Lancaster Place, London WC2E 7 EN, England.

CAREER: Writer.

WRITINGS:

The Land of Miracles (travel book), Abacus (London, England), 1998.

Cocaine Train (travel book), Little, Brown (London, England), 1999.

Underground London: Travels beneath the City Streets, Little, Brown (London, England), 2004.

SIDELIGHTS: Stephen Smith is the author of a book about Cuba as well as a study of London's secret underground tunnels and rivers. In The Land of Miracles, Smith writes about Cuba based on several short trips he made there. His observations include everything from an incident during which he blurts out a question to Cuban dictator Fidel Castro from his place in a crowd to encounters with voodoo practices, a "love" hotel, and his experiences of the Cuban people. A contributor to the Economist felt that Smith misses an opportunity to describe "the daily frustrations" of the Cubans. The reviewer also chastised the author for living "above" the people while "engrossed in getting his comforts and his thrills," while adding that "The wit and opportunism of the Cubans, their fortitude, their ability to turn any piece of junk to good use, is keenly observed."

In Underground London: Travels beneath the City Streets Smith describes what has been called the "London under London," a range of subterranean phenomena that includes such things as tombs, abandoned stations, ancient Roman walls, and the ubiquitous sewers. Smith's book not only describes the current state of this underground world but also touches upon its history and legends, from artifacts to Henry VIII's tennis courts and secret government bunkers. New Statesman contributor Andrew Martin commented that "Smith has a good eye." He also noted that the book is "full of revelations" despite the fact that numerous other books have been written about London's underground. Writing in the Manchester Guardian, Mick Jackson noted, "What sets this book apart … is its wonderful cast of characters: the underworld's labourers, tour guides and turnkeys Smith encounters on his way." Jackson also called Smith's prose "tight and bright and full of wit."