The title needs explaining. Why back? We haven't been there yet! In 1939 the same team of Maurice Gorham (text) and Edward Ardizzone (illustrations) published The Local. Like so many books of that time it had a short life, all the remaining stock being destroyed in the Blitz. After the war, they decided to do a new edition with a revised text and redrawn, in some cases completely new, illustrations. It is this book, Back to the Local, first published in 1949, that Faber Finds is reissuing. Prepare yourself for the most delightful of nostalgic rambles around the pubs of London in the late 1940s. Text and illustrations are in perfect harmony as we are introduced to The Regulars, Barmaids Old and New, as we venture into The Saloon Lounge, The Saloon Bar, The Public Bar and squeeze into The Jug-And-Bottle Bar. We visit The Mews Pub, The Wine-House, the Riverside Pub and The Irish House. These are all chapter headings and eloquently testify to what awaits you. Treat yourself to a memorable pub crawl!
