The Secret Lore of London: The city's forgotten stories and mythology

(Paperback)

---

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

With a foreword by Iain Sinclair.

London is an ancient city, whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into the legendary prehistory of these islands. Not surprisingly it has accumulated a large number of stories, both historic and mythical, during this period, many of which, though faithfully recorded at the time, have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city.

The Secret Lore of London is a guide to the legends, including a discussion of their importance as part of the oral tradition of Britain, combining Prehistoric, Celtic, Arthurian, Roman, Saxon and Norman levels - each of which has contributed to the many-layered life of the city.

The first part contains a unique selection of essays (some printed here for the first time) by experts in their fields, each of whom possesses a unique interest in the legends of these islands, and who have written widely on associated themes.

The second part of the book will consist of a Gazetteer of the sites mentioned which are still in existence, together with various other sites of associated interest, compiled by the Editor, the contributors, and members of the London Earth Mysteries Group. This part will be fully updated and extended to include many more sites.

The result is a wide ranging and wholly fascinating book, with wide sales application possible. A series of appendixes will include William Stukley's extraordinary document The Brill, which relates to the ancient prehistoric sites around the area of present day St. Pancras, and excerpts from some of the best known 19th and early 20th century works on Legendary London by Lewis Spence and Harold Bayley

Contributors to the book are:

Nigel Pennick

John Matthews

Caroline Wise

Caitlin Matthews

Carol Clancy

R.J. Stewart

Bernard Nesfield-Cookson

Gareth Knight

Robert Stephenson

Geraldine Beskin

Chesca Potter

William Stukeley

Lewis Spence

Harold Bayley

Alan V. Insole

Ross Nichols

Reviews

This book is a companion for anyone wanting to explore the capital city's mythology and folklore... I think you'll enjoy peeling back the layers of history. * The Bookish Badger *
So, so brilliant. Absolutely loved it....Overall this is a fascinating book. It has history and legend, great references to literature and architecture, everything I could want in a non-fiction book. * Osbian Reviews *
The Secret Lore of London completes its siren call with an intricate and alluring cover...If you have even the smallest interest in myth, legend and London, then this is a book for you. * Cultural Wednesday *
London is such a vast city with a long, interesting and fascinating history, so to tackle this subject is very brave and admirable. If you have an insatiable hunger for knowledge, this book will give you food for thought as it opens a wonderfully colourful world that forms the foundations of what we believe to be 'solid' history. * The Legends of London *
I have to say that I am delighted that the best material from The Aquarian Guide has been given a new lease of life, letting new readers enjoy a collection of wonderful essays that have been been long out of print. The new material makes the book even better - and the title and cover are a lot more up to date too! * Before It's News *
A fascinating look at how our ancestors viewed their streets, and a guide to the sites of legends and myths. * History Revealed *

Author Bio

John Matthews has written widely on Arthurian, Celtic and Mythic London respectively. He is best known as an authority on the history and myths of King Arthur, as well as Druidry, Faery Lore and Celtic Shamanism. He is the author of 90 books including the New York Times bestseller Pirates. He has worked as an historical advisor on films such as King Arthur (2004) and is currently developing a number of feature length scripts and documentaries. Caitlin and John Matthews are the co-authors of the Encyclopedia of Celtic Wisdom and Encyclopedia of Celtic Myth and Legend. Caitlin is acknowledged as a world authority on Celtic wisdom and the ancestral traditions of Britain, while John has produced nearly 100 books on Arthurian legend. They live in Oxford.