The Old Inns of England (Vol. 1&2) (eBook)

Charles G. Harper's 'The Old Inns of Old England' is a comprehensive compendium, distributed over two rich volumes, detailing the history, significance, and cultural legacy of England's historic inns. With an exquisite eye for detail, Harper traverses the centuries, exploring the evolution of these establishments from monastic hostels and havens for pilgrims to the backdrop of hearty tales and literary landmarks. The writer's narrative is steeped in nostalgia, painting a vivid tableau of English social life across eras. The inclusion of whimsical chapters such as 'Pickwickian Inns' and 'Highwaymen's Inns' marries the scholarly to the picturesque, while 'Tavern Rhymes and Inscriptions' offers a charming glimpse into the folkloric aspects at play. Harper constructs a layered tapestry of English society, with the inn as a focal point of communal and cultural convergence. A respected illustrator and author, Harper brought to this work not only his artistic sensibility but also an intense fascination with the social history of his native Britain. This predilection for the past is evident in the way he meticulously catalogues the quirks and eccentricities of these inns, from their unique signs to their storied patrons. Harper's own travels undoubtedly informed his vividly descriptive approach, capturing the essence of places that have been, for many, the heart of English communal life. The prose is informed by an undercurrent of Harper's personal reverence for these bastions of hospitality and history. Scholars of social history, aficionados of architecture, and lovers of English literature will find 'The Old Inns of Old England' to be a treasure trove of information and delight. Harper's intricate observations are an invitation to savor a past era's charm and to understand the integral role inns played in shaping the country's cultural tapestry. The book is recommended particularly for those with a penchant for the intersection of history, literature, and travel, providing a profound insight into a neglected but crucial aspect of English heritage.