Watling Street by John Higgs is like finding a hidden time machine in the middle of a busy road. Released in 2017, this book takes us on a fascinating journey along one of Britain’s oldest and most historical routes. Watling Street, a Roman road that stretches from Dover through London to Wroxeter, becomes a lively thread connecting stories from the past to present-day British life. Higgs, with his razor-sharp wit and incredible storytelling skills, takes us from ancient legends to contemporary tales, capturing everything in between with a focus that’s both insightful and entertaining.
John Higgs, a British writer known for his thought-provoking, curious work, embodies a liberal vibe that feels refreshingly open to all perspectives. With Watling Street, he presents a narrative that’s as inclusive as it is intriguing, acknowledging the different identities and cultures that have shaped Britain throughout history. The book highlights not only the united front of the nation but also the diverse voices that make up its story.
The journey down Watling Street isn’t just a simple walk down memory lane. Higgs uses the road as a metaphorical path to explore Britain's shifting identity. He cleverly weaves folklore, history, and personal insight into a lively tapestry of anecdotes. From Roman engineers to highwaymen, and the druids to punk revolutionaries, Higgs walks us down a path where past giants meet today's trailblazers.
One of the book’s most striking elements is its exploration of how Britain's ancient landscapes intertwine with modern times, often in surprising ways. As Higgs navigates through towns and fields, skyscrapers and cemeteries, you're invited to re-think what you know about the UK. Watling Street becomes a character in itself, full of life and surprises, much like Higgs’ writing style—engaging yet deeply informative.
There are moments in the book that invite readers to question the modern world through the lens of our shared history. In tracing Watling Street, Higgs touches on changes in the nation brought by migration, war, and cultural shifts. He takes a step further by asking what these changes mean in today’s divided political climate. His politically liberal views subtly shine through as he calls for an understanding of how historical narratives shape current social issues.
While Higgs’s political stance might not resonate with everyone, his empathetic storytelling invites readers regardless of their views. He provides a thoughtful look at the intersections of politics, culture, and history without losing the heart of the story in biases. Even if you don’t share all of his perspectives, the rich exploration within Watling Street offers plenty of ground from which to build your own insights.
The tales on Watling Street cover a wide spectrum, from the mystic to the mundane. Higgs’s penchant for unusual histories, a hallmark fans will recognize, doesn't fade as he captures moments that seem lifted straight from a Neil Gaiman novel or a Doctor Who episode. Across Watling Street, Higgs reimagines ancient myths existing alongside modern problems and uses past folklore to shine a light on contemporary issues. The mystical elements weave through with ease, never feeling forced, making for a tale that seems equally rooted in reality and magic.
Watling Street also examines the psychic fingerprint of this ancient road, touching upon legend-making figures like Boudica, the iconic Celtic queen who battled the Romans. Higgs artfully connects these figures with a chain stretching to today’s cultural influencers. His depiction of these links feels organic, giving readers a sense of walking with ghosts of the past while encountering present realities.
For the curious Gen Z reader, Watling Street offers more than a history lesson; it's a template for exploring how the past influences our now. Higgs’s ability to interweave these narratives offers enlightening discoveries that speak volumes about the shared human experience—a call to understand how yesterday’s actions reflect today’s conditions.
This book is proof that the world is not just black and white but a complex spectrum of experiences, influences, and stories that define who we are. In Watling Street, there’s an innate push towards recognizing the beauty in diversity, asking us to understand and appreciate multiple perspectives as we navigate our paths forward.
The genius behind Higgs’s work doesn’t stop at mere storytelling. It’s a conversation across time, carrying a message that communication and empathy are crucial in understanding this multifaceted world. So much like Watling Street, this book invites us to walk our own paths with an awareness of those who have walked before us, an openness to those who walk beside us, and a curiosity about those who will follow in our steps.