{"title":"Ian Doolittle","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Doolittle\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a compelling exploration of \u003cem\u003eArts \u0026amp; Culture\u003c\/em\u003e through thoughtfully crafted narratives that bridge history, creativity, and social insight. His writing delves into the nuanced ways in which art shapes and reflects human experience, making his work both intellectually enriching and deeply resonant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect engaging prose that illuminates cultural landmarks and artistic movements with clarity and passion. Whether examining the intricate connections within communities or the broader strokes of artistic evolution, Doolittle’s books provide a rewarding journey into the heart of creative expression.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bridges-and-more-by-ian-doolittle-9781836360391","title":"Bridges and More","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eCity Bridge Foundation\u003c\/i\u003e is the oldest charity in London still operating under its original purpose. Established over 700 years ago to maintain London Bridge, it now cares for five of the Thames's great crossings while distributing surplus income to charities across the capital. Worth £1.5 billion, it remains managed by the City of London Corporation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis lively and original book traces the development of the Foundation from its religious origins as the 'Bridge House,' through political intrigue, civic evolution and remarkable acts of giving. Written by legal historian Ian Doolittle, it introduces a little-known but extraordinary organisation whose assets were built from the donations of ordinary Londoners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Foundation's story spans medieval craftsmanship, royal interference, and the complexities of modern governance, all while helping shape the physical and civic landscape of London. It is a story of bridges, certainly, but also of money, power, and purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUTHOR:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ian Doolittle is a legal historian and former academic barrister with a long-standing interest in London's civic and charitable institutions. He has written extensively on property law, urban governance, and historical legal structures, and is a former editor of the Journal of Legal History. This is his first book for a general readership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSELLING POINTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFirst accessible and thematic history of the City Bridge Foundation\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eReveals the fascinating story behind London's best-known bridges\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRich with archival insight, civic drama, and overlooked history\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWritten by leading legal historian Ian Doolittle\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCovers 700+ years of London life, finance, and philanthropy\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eA vital read for anyone interested in London's urban or civic history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47910613778668,"sku":"9781836360391","price":70.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781836360391-bridges-and-more.jpg?v=1783648716"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/ian-doolittle.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}