Mudlark

In Search of London's Past Along the River Thames

By: Lara Maiklem

Narrated by: Xanthe Elbrick

A quixotic journey through London's past, Mudlark plumbs the banks of the Thames to reveal the stories hidden behind the archaeological remnants of an ancient city.

Long heralded as a city treasure herself, expert "mudlarker" Lara Maiklem is uniquely trained in the art of seeking. Tirelessly trekking across miles of the Thames' muddy shores, where others only see the detritus of city life, Maiklem unearths evidence of England's captivating, if sometimes murky, history - with some objects dating back to 43 AD, when London was but an outpost of the Roman Empire. From medieval mail worn by warriors on English battlefields to 19th-century glass marbles mass-produced for the nation's first soda bottles, Maiklem deduces the historical significance of these artifacts with the quirky enthusiasm and sharp-sightedness of a 21st-century Sherlock Holmes.

Seamlessly interweaving reflections from her own life with meditations on the art of wandering, Maiklem ultimately delivers - for Anglophiles and history lovers alike - a memorable treatise on the objects we leave in our wake, and the stories they can reveal if only we take a moment to look.

©2019 Lara Maiklem (P)2019 Recorded Books

A great listen

Wonderful memoir, with stories of history and culture. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Wish her first was on audible.

Very interesting tidbits of history and treasure

A friend recommended this book, and I enjoyed listening to it. The hard copy of the book includes some photographs of the treasures found. So intrigued by what the Thames encapsulates in its banks. Narrator has a great voice.

thoroughly enjoyed

This is a light and easy listen compared to my usual fare, but not fluffy. There is a peaceful meditative quality to the prose and reader, with much history casually addressed without seeming like a lecture. I binge listened and think that I will give it a second listen.

I wish that there was a pdf with photos.

Spellbinding!

This is such an excellent book that I bought the audible version AND the hard copy. Not only is the subject matter fascinating, but Maiklem's style is lively, personable, and accessible, and her research is excellent. This book is a real treat and is now on my list of "all-time favorites."

A Romantic Tale of Things Lost and Found

Excellently written and excellently performed. Mudlark is a beautifully crafted ode to the Thames and the mudlarkers who piece together the river’s story one treasure at a time.

Fun, informative and never stuffy!

This Audible book is one of my favorites because it had everything...human interest, history, the identification of artifacts, but most of all, a people's history. This selection included people from all walks of life, not just the royals. I could easily imagine myself walking the Thames with mudlarkers! It was fascinating to listen to the authentication process of various items. The narrator was amazing!! She gets 5 stars 🌟 🤩 ⭐ 🌠 💫

Beautifully Written and Read

A down to earth but also very romantic and poetic story of the River, and one woman’s, and also countless multitudes relationship to it. So good.

Engaging & Informative

Mudlark was an interesting romp through the history of the people and materials which have occupied the Thames foreshore. Maiklem has also organized a visual guide, by chapter, on her Instagram page which made it possible to look up the items that she describes so well in her book. All together an exciting way to think about the history of everyday objects and what we leave behind.

nice book with London history

nice book with London history. pleasure to listen and ton hear all the be stories

Thanks for bringing me to the Thames with you!

Living in the US, I have a little hope that I will be able to snag a mudlarking permit and spend days walking the Thames riverbanks.
I’m so grateful for the time spent with Lara in this novel. It was the perfect escapism.