'Frostiana: or a history of the River Thames in a frozen state' Summary

Frostiana: or a history of the River Thames in a frozen state is a book by George Davis that tells the story of the many times that the River Thames has frozen over. Davis's book is a fascinating look at a natural phenomenon that has fascinated people for centuries. It is also a valuable historical document, as it provides a record of the many ways that the frozen Thames has shaped London's history.

The book begins with a brief overview of the history of the Thames, from its formation to its role in London's development. Davis then goes on to describe the many times that the Thames has frozen over, starting with the first recorded freeze in 789 AD. He describes the events leading up to each freeze, the people who took advantage of the frozen river, and the aftermath of each thaw.

Davis's book is full of interesting facts and anecdotes about the frozen Thames. For example, did you know that the first recorded ice fair was held on the Thames in 1607? Or that the Thames froze over so thickly in 1814 that cannons were fired from the ice? Davis also provides a detailed account of the Great Frost of 1813-1814, which was one of the most severe freezes in Thames history.

Frostiana is a well-researched and informative book. Davis has done a great job of collecting and presenting the evidence of the frozen Thames. The book is also a lot of fun to read. Davis's writing is lively and engaging, and he does a great job of bringing the frozen Thames to life.

Frostiana is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of London or the natural world. It is a fascinating and informative book that will leave you wondering what other wonders the Thames has seen.