THE WORD “opinionated” is an effective antidotal adjective in the title of this pocket-sized and elegant book. It deflects criticism from malcontents like myself who might bemoan some of the choices as much as the omissions.

Social housing represents four out of a total of 54 illustrations, and that’s decent enough, but the selection is of well-known regulars on the circuit — the Brunswick Centre, the Barbican Estate, the Isokon Flats and the Trellick Tower.

There's no trace of the superb but lesser-known Branch Hill Estate, Highgate New Town, Bevin Court — originally called Lenin Court — with its spectacular staircase, or even the now privatised Keeling House.

That reservation apart, Sujata Burman and Rosa Bertoli do great job — one that will amply reward anybody who shares or might be persuaded by their situationist spirit of rediscovery underpinned by much aesthetic joy.

They map three period-themed walks that, judging by their mileage, will do the circulation no harm and a handy glossary and compendious notes are informative enough to inspire curiosity and prompt further reading.

Included are the enchanting Wilton’s Music Hall, the beguiling proportions of the Royal College of Physicians, the excitement of the Peckham Library and the stupendous outstretched bandoneon of the Bridge of Aspiration of the Royal Ballet School.

 
But what astonishes most, page after page, is Taran Wilkhu’s photography. It’s a labour of love, profound understanding and most of all one imbued with an infectious passion.

An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture is published by Hoxton Mini Press, £9.95.