This post is part of an ongoing series featuring items from the newly acquired Santo Domingo collection.
Although at first glance London Walkabout by Andrew Collins looks like a typical pamphlet for a tourist it actually is much more unusual. Subtitled “Your guide to discovering the myths and legends of ten mystical sties in and around the City of London, accessible in one easy walkabout,” this pamphlet promises a whole lot more than a standard tour. The ten sites include: the Tower of London, the London Stone, the Temple of Mithras, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ludgate Hill, the Church of St. Martin’s-within-Ludgate, St. Bride’s Church Fleet St., the Church of St. Dunstan’s-in-the-West Fleet St., the Temple Church and St. Clement Danes Aldwych.
Each site has its own section which includes basic historical facts as well as myths and stories about the supernatural occurrences at the site. A list of famous ghosts at the Tower of London, an explanation of the Dianic Cult at St. Paul’s Cathedral and a section on psychic work at the Temple Church are some of the more intriguing stories told. Essentially arranged in a geographic line, Collin’s gives a walking guide that takes about 5 hours to complete and can be done entirely on one’s own. Details of what to look for at each site are included with the stories as well as pictures of each site for historical comparison and identification.
Andrew Collins, a prolific writer on the supernatural and occult, leads you through each site with unusual insights and history. Still an active writer today, he also does book tours and signings for his many mythological texts. Several of his books are available at Widener including Beneath the pyramids : Egypt’s greatest secret uncovered, The Cygnus mystery : unlocking the ancient secret of life’s origins in the cosmos and The knights of Danbury. London walkabout /by Andrew Collins, Wickford : Earthquest, 1984 (1986 [printing]) is also available at Widener Library.
Thanks to Emma Clement, Santo Domingo Library Assistant, for contributing this post.