Tag Archives: London

Ada Salter and the Beautification of Bermondsey; Dance First

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Houyhnhnm

Ada Salter and the Beautification of Bermondsey This was a guided walk by Sue McCarthy, organised for Wanstead Quakers. I can’t claim to remember much of the history at this remove from the event itself (October to January is a … Continue reading →

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Ben Aaronovitch: “The Rivers of London”

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Houyhnhnm

A standard and fun modern tongue-in-cheek crime/mystery story, uplifted by being set in a magical-realist London where the eponymous (a word never to be used in serious writing) rivers of the eponymous capital city have deities who are alive and active. … Continue reading →

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Dickens: “Dombey and Son”

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Houyhnhnm

So long ago now I can’t remember it all, and it took me so long to read. How did they get away with it then? Ah yes – serialisation over months, and that’s how long it took me to read. Totally immersing, … Continue reading →

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“Diamond Street” by Rachel Lichtenstein

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Houyhnhnm

An excellent London book, focusing on Hatton Garden, but ranging pretty widely around, and combining the author’s personal reminiscences with deep research. You learn a lot from this book, painlessly. It’s pushed me now several times to the area, listening … Continue reading →

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“Hatton Garden” by Rachel Lichtenstein

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Houyhnhnm

A wonderful find: a personal and in-depth history of this part of London, ending with a breathtaking account of an official descent to and along the ancient and hidden River Fleet. An evocative and fact-filled book, making any visit to … Continue reading →

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