Book details
  • London Lore: The Legends and Traditions of the World's Most Vibrant City See large image

    London Lore: The Legends and Traditions of the World's Most Vibrant City (Paperback) By (author) Steve Roud

    05

    Free worldwide delivery

    $15.09 - Save $0.79 (4%) - RRP $15.88 Free delivery worldwide (to United States and
    all these other countries)     Usually dispatched within 24 hours     Add to basket | Add to wishlist |

    Also available in...
    Hardback $33.25

    Short Description for London LoreIn which part of North London were wild beasts once thought to roam the sewers? Why did 1920s working-class Londoners wear necklaces of blue beads? Who was the original inspiration for the 'pearly king' costume? This enchanting guide discusses the ancient legends and deep-rooted beliefs that can be found the length and breadth of the city.
    Full description

Other books

Other people who viewed this bought | Other books in this category
Showing items 1 to 10 of 10

 

Full description | Reviews | Bibliographic data
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 results

Reviews for London Lore

Write a review

  • A guide to mysterious London5

    Joseph Camilleri It is hardly surprising that a city with such a rich past as London should develop a parallel, darker history made up of strange tales, customs and superstitions. And there could hardly be a better guide through London lore than Steve Roud, honorary librarian of the Folklore Society.

    The book's introduction is a cold shower - Roud demolishes the widely-held belief that legends have a kernel of truth and dismisses certain recurrent motifs such as ghosts and "secret tunnels" as typical products of fictional lore. This sceptical approach eventually reaps its dividends as it shifts the focus onto how and why certain legends developed.

    The book is divided into sections according to the geography of London, making it a sort of alternative guide to the city. Along the way we meet a diverse cast of characters, supernatural apparitions and curious anecdotes. Interspersed throughout the book are also articles covering particular topics such as Royal Parks, Guy Fawkes' Night and fortune-telling, complemented by old illustrations from the author's own collection. Detailed cross-references make this an ideal book to dip into on a cloudy autumn afternoon though it is intriguing enough to read from cover to cover. As I did. by Joseph Camilleri

Write a review
Showing 1 to 1 of 1 results