The History of Sir Richard Whittington

This edition brings to life a seventeenth‑century account of Sir Richard Whittington that predates the familiar “cat and the bells” story. The editor’s introduction walks listeners through the tangled history of the legend, showing how later chap‑books stripped away the real merchant’s pedigree and civic achievements.

The narrative itself focuses on Whittington’s genuine rise as a London trader, his dealings at the Exchange, and the early anecdotes that later morphed into folklore. By comparing the original text with later popular versions, the recording reveals how details such as the Bow Bells “turn again” command and the Highgate hill setting were later inventions.

For anyone interested in medieval commerce, urban mythmaking, or the evolution of folk tales, the listening experience is both scholarly and vivid. The clear, well‑paced reading makes the historical document accessible, while the commentary highlights why this early story remains a compelling counterpoint to the fairy‑tale version we know today.