Thames: The Biography

About this book

In this perfect companion to London: The Biography Peter Ackroyd once again delves into the hidden byways of history describing the rivers endless allure in a journey overflowing with characters incidents and wry observations. Thames: The Biography meanders gloriously rather like the river itself. In short lively chapters Ackroyd writes about connections between the Thames and such historical figures as Julius Caesar and Henry the VIII and offers memorable portraits of the ordinary men and women who depend upon the river for their livelihoods. He visits all the towns and villages along the river from Oxfordshire to London and describes the magnificent royal residences as well as the bridges and docks locks and weirs found along its 215-mile run. The Thames as a source of artistic inspiration comes brilliantly to life as Ackroyd invokes Chaucer Shakespeare Turner Shelley and other writers poets and painters who have been enchanted by its many moods and colors. In his signature entertaining and informative manner Ackroyd allows the reader to dip into chapters in his own spirit or to follow the Thames from source to sea. Illustrated with maps and photographs THAMES is a vivid highly original mosaic of life by and on the water.