This is a beautiful set of vignettes set in all the recorded years the Thames has frozen between 1142 and 1895. It's a lovely book - a small hardcover with glossy pages and beautiful illustrations. The vignettes are also beautifully written, invoking the pain of ice and cold, but also the beauty and the transformative properties.

I loved it. ( )

London’s River Thames has frozen just 40 times in its history. Author Helen Humphreys calls this small volume “a meditation on ice,” with short vignettes based on actual events at the time of each occurrence, from 1142 to 1895. Sometimes the freezing coincided with a significant event in the life of the country, such as the execution of King Charles I. The frozen river also served as an occasion for revelry, with Frost Fairs on the ice providing food, drink, entertainment, and of course, souvenirs. The frozen river and the associated cold temperatures also dramatically affected the lives of everyday people, especially those who made their livelihood on the river. And, inevitably, the sudden onset of a thaw sometimes led to tragedy.

Each vignette is no more than a few pages long, and includes period artwork to bring the scenes to life. Some are just a glimpse into long-ago times, but more often than not Humphreys’ writing captures the human spirit with an emotional impact that surprised me. This is a lovely volume which should be savored, and read again and again. ( )

In its long history, the river Thames has frozen solid forty times. These are the stories of that frozen river.

Beginning with 1142 and ending in 1895, Helen Humphreys, via forty short vignettes, weaves a historical event around each freezing of the river. A unique and well-crafted book on an unusual event that made for an interesting read.
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This series of vignettes is like a platter of canapés, which if it doesn't quite make a meal, does leave a good impression of the chef. ( )

I found this collection of short stories fascinating. All of them relate to the years in which London's River Thames froze over, 1142 - 1895. Although many such moments were embraced by the locals for frozen faires, sport, transportation, and even camouflage, there are also moments of tragedy, destruction and disaster. Let me also mention, these frozen winters were sometimes hardened even more so by plagues.
Humphreys' descriptive prose brought me to the edge of my seat as if I were sitting on the bank of the Thames. I highly recommend this collection. ( )