1865 – Haunted London – Thornbury | First Edition – British Legends & Ghost Stories

Haunted London by Walter Thornbury is a fascinating survey of London’s legends, traditions, crimes, mysteries, and historical associations. Despite its title, the work is not principally concerned with ghosts or supernatural phenomena. Instead, Thornbury explores centuries of stories attached to streets, buildings, districts, and notable locations throughout the city. Topics range from notorious crimes and executions to famous historical events, enduring folklore, and remarkable local traditions. Included are discussions of the Gunpowder Plot, accounts connected to the Great Plague, and the legend of Robert the Devil. Illustrated by F. W. Fairholt, this substantial Victorian volume offers a memorable portrait of London’s historical imagination and remains an appealing work for collectors of British history, folklore, crime literature, and nineteenth-century London studies.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Haunted London
• Author(s): Walter Thornbury
• Illustrator(s): F. W. Fairholt
• Publisher: London, Hurst and Blackett
• Edition: First Edition, 1865.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Format: (8vo), single volume
• Size:  9 x 6 in (23 x 15 cm)
• Collation: xv, 518 pp
• Illustrations: 13 engravings by Fairholt
• Contents Include:
  • The Gunpowder Plot
  • The Great Plague
  • The Legend of Robert the Devil
  • London folklore and traditions
  • Historic crimes and executions
  • Notable sites and legends of London

Condition:

Good. Hardcover binding remains secure with a secure text block. Minor repairs are visible on the spine. Corners and edges show rubbing from handling and age. Gilt remains present. Pages are generally clean throughout.

Why Collect This?

• First edition Victorian study of London’s legends, folklore, and haunting tales
• Includes material on the Gunpowder Plot and the Great Plague

Item Number: #50608