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Watling Street
Oct. 12th, 2019 03:08 pmBook Review: Watling Street, by John Higgs
Another psychogeographical ramble, this book follows the course of Watling Street from Dover to Holyhead. Like many books of this genre, there's a hint of melancholia, as even when peering into the past and finding it grim, it comes with an implied suggestion that we're missing our heritage and that somehow things must have been better in The Olden Days. Inter alia we learn that the route existed for thousands of years before the Romans, though it is named after a warlord from the Dark Ages; about the connection between Dickens and Rod Hull; the two routes taken through London, before and since the Romans; highwaymen (and women), public schools, ball games, and druids. Published in 2017 and obviously researched beforehand, it tentatively mentions Brexit but sticks to simple facts on leaving the EU rather than expressing any opinions about it. I found the chapter on Bletchley Park worthy but slightly misunderstanding of the Bombes. Nevertheless, I did learn the origin of the phrase "money for old rope" and three possible reasons why James Bond has the codename 007; and Higgs persistently slips in Doctor Who references at various locations, appropriately enough for a book that travels in space and time.
Another psychogeographical ramble, this book follows the course of Watling Street from Dover to Holyhead. Like many books of this genre, there's a hint of melancholia, as even when peering into the past and finding it grim, it comes with an implied suggestion that we're missing our heritage and that somehow things must have been better in The Olden Days. Inter alia we learn that the route existed for thousands of years before the Romans, though it is named after a warlord from the Dark Ages; about the connection between Dickens and Rod Hull; the two routes taken through London, before and since the Romans; highwaymen (and women), public schools, ball games, and druids. Published in 2017 and obviously researched beforehand, it tentatively mentions Brexit but sticks to simple facts on leaving the EU rather than expressing any opinions about it. I found the chapter on Bletchley Park worthy but slightly misunderstanding of the Bombes. Nevertheless, I did learn the origin of the phrase "money for old rope" and three possible reasons why James Bond has the codename 007; and Higgs persistently slips in Doctor Who references at various locations, appropriately enough for a book that travels in space and time.