Sinclair McKay

The real Dick Whittington and the folklore legend

Though not exactly a rags-to-riches story, Whittington’s career as mercer, mayor and money-lender was nonetheless astonishing, says Michael McCarthy

Dick Whittington with his cat, in a 17th-century chapbook. [Getty Images]
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  • Citizen of London: Richard Whittington and the Boy Who Would Be Mayor

    Michael McCarthy

    Hurst & Co, pp. 454, £25

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