Almost any well-known writer who has ever lived in London makes an appearance somewhere in the book and there is an assumption that the reader will recognize them. The style, however, is not academic but knowledgeable and easy-going. But these are petty gripes. Being a Londoner myself, perhaps I am not unbiased but I found this book fascinating, enjoyably idiosyncratic, and delightfully illustrated. I would guess that it is meant to last.
Standard disclaimers apply.