The A to Z was created by Phyllis Pearsall (1906-96) who ‘researched London’s streets by walking thousands of miles, and making copious notes. The early maps were hand drawn, and key components of that style survive today with wider streets, clearly lettered using a sans serif font… Most importantly, the maps concentrated on the roads and not landmarks, producing a clear visual impression.’ There is a biography of Phyllis and a musical.