Lara Maiklem

A thoroughly entertaining, readable and informative account of the author's mudlarking adventures. When I was at school in London, one of my year group was a regular mudlarker, and I've often regretted that I didn't ask to join her as she, like Maiklem had her interest in history piqued by the experience. The book is thoughtfully arranged as a trip down the Thames, and as each chapter reveals the secrets of each zone, Maiklem focuses on a different area of interest, whether it's London's importance as a centre of shipping and trade, or the lives of ordinary residents of the city. This book would be of interest to anyone who enjoys history, but for a reader who knows London well, there's definitely an added dimension.… (more)

I received this fantastic book from my husband as a Hanukkah gift---I love it so much! It definitely earns a rare 5 star rating for being one of the most interesting, engaging, and historically diverse books I've read. I've been following Maiklem on Instagram for at least a year---she's one of my favorite accounts so her book was on the top of my wishlist! It's everything I'd hoped it would be. More than just a book of facts and finds, Maiklem shows her heart in this work. Her love of the hunt outweighs her desire for treasure---as it should be, in my opinion. I love how she finds the simplest oddities to be extra special, yet is careful to leave some behind for other larkers or for the river to reclaim. I'm looking forward to purchasing her book on larking as soon as I can and would love to see more in print from Maiklem asap!

Note: for those disappointed that there are no photos, I do believe the British edition (called Mudlarking) does have photos. But---you can follow Maiklem on Instagram to see photos and videos of her finds! Her account is @london.mudlark… (more)