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Imagine if the walls of history could speak. In this captivating exploration, historian Madeleine Pelling reveals that they can—if one knows where to look. 'Writing on the Wall' uncovers the hidden voices of Britain's most tumultuous and transformative era, etched into the very fabric of the past.
From aristocrats carving scandalous messages on tavern windows to condemned highwaymen scratching their final words into prison doors, Pelling unveils a secret history of 18th-century Britain. This vibrant account brings to life the unfiltered thoughts and rebellious spirit of ordinary people, immortalised through their impromptu etchings on walls, doors, and any available surface.
Lauded as 'the real eighteenth century' by Dan Snow and 'a secret history like no other' by BBC History Magazine, this groundbreaking work peels back the layers of time to reveal a society in flux. Through these crude yet poignant marks, Pelling reconstructs a vivid tapestry of lives long forgotten, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the hearts and minds of those who shaped Britain's most revolutionary period.
'Writing on the Wall' is not merely a historical account; it's a time machine, transporting readers to an era where every scratch and scribble tells a story of defiance, creativity, and the irrepressible human urge to leave one's mark on the world.
Book ISBN: | 9781800811997 |
Book Weight: | 556g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’