Ice Skating - Literature

I was thinking of Hans Brinker and his silver skates in reading your fun Blogs but I was also reminded of this great book I found last year called the Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys. I'm copying a review that was posted on Amazon because its short and gives a good description.

I was totally amazed about how many times the Thames actually completely froze over (40 times) and they had winter fairs and skating parties. It's a lovely book

By

Beaumont Hardy "Beaumont Hardy Editing" -

This review is from: The Frozen Thames (Hardcover)

The Frozen Thames is one of those books so well-written that it transcends its theme; readers with no particular interest in the Thames or its temperature will enjoy Helen Humphreys's beautifully restrained prose. Each short story--or "vignette," as the book jacket calls them--takes place during a year when the Thames River froze. Although the vignettes are fictional, Humphreys has done extensive research about the historical figures, political circumstances and popular sentiment during each freeze year. The book is filled with descriptions of spectacular Frost Fairs on the river, accounts of everyday life and tragedy during each of the frigid years, and compelling references to the various British monarchs who ruled during the Thames freezes. The vignettes begin in 1142 and end in 1895 with the author's poignant explanation of why the Thames no longer freezes. Fans of Virginia Woolf will enjoy the author's closing reference to Orlando.

Besides being compellingly written, this book is also physically attractive. The stories are illustrated with contemporary depictions of London and the freezes. The book's pages are shiny and thick and fun to turn. The book itself is small, fat, and pleasant to hold.

The Frozen Thames would make an ideal gift for a thoughtful reader, even if that readers isn't a Thames aficionado