Mars Bar & Mushy Peas

Magazine Overview

This issue of Northern Earth (No. 116, 2008) features a prominent review of Paul Screeton's book, 'Mars Bar & Mushy Peas: Urban Legend & the Cult of Celebrity'. The magazine itself is a publication focused on fortean topics, folklore, and the unexplained, with this issue including reviews of other related magazines and books, a diary of current events, and a column on London lore.

Reviews and Articles

'Mars Bar & Mushy Peas' by Paul Screeton

The central piece is a detailed look at Screeton's book, which delves into contemporary urban legends and the 'cult of celebrity'. The book's title refers to two specific anecdotes: the alleged intimate use of a Mars bar by Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger in 1967, and the purported gaffe by Peter Mandelson in the 1980s where he supposedly mistook mushy peas for guacamole. The reviews highlight Screeton's journalistic background and his approach to dissecting these stories, often with a critical eye towards media sensationalism and celebrity culture.

One review notes that Screeton discusses traditional urban legends, celebrity-driven stories, and even a typology of 'ostentions' (where celebrities act out urban legends). The book also touches upon 'folklorismus' and 'tourismus', concepts related to the intentional fabrication and commercialization of folklore. Screeton's personal beliefs are also mentioned, including his skepticism towards the theories of evolution and global warming, which one reviewer describes as 'the secular religion of the twenty-first century'. The book is presented as a treasure chest for storytellers and those interested in the minutiae of celebrity lives.

Other Book and Magazine Reviews

The issue includes brief reviews of several other publications:

• AMSKAYA: A newsletter from the STAR Fellowship focusing on UFO-contactee material and folklore nuances.
• MAGONIA: Examines how UFO investigators filter biases and discusses Apollo missions, the 'cultism' of ufology, and the conspiracist tradition.
• NORTHERN EARTH: Features articles on archaeological technology, local folklore, and a review of a book on EM fans.
• FORTEAN TIMES: Covers a wide range of fortean topics, including scary clowns, space program 'hacks', superstitions, urban myths, and crystal skulls. It also includes an obituary for Arthur C. Clarke, with a mention of controversial beliefs surrounding him.

Diary Section

The 'Diary' section provides short updates on various events and individuals:

• John Darwin: The story of the canoe man's insurance scam is revisited, noting the continued tourist interest in his 'faked death'.
• Antony Clayton: Mentioned for his upcoming talk on 'The Folklore of London pubs'.
• Bird's Egg Collectors: A report on the secret subculture of 'eggers' and a police raid in Liverpool.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Northern Earth, through its focus on 'Mars Bar & Mushy Peas' and other reviews, consistently engages with themes of urban legends, folklore, celebrity culture, and media influence. There is a clear interest in dissecting how stories, whether factual or fabricated, gain traction and are disseminated, particularly when they involve public figures. The magazine's editorial stance appears to align with a skeptical yet curious approach to fortean phenomena, valuing rigorous analysis and historical context, while also acknowledging the enduring power of myth and popular belief. The reviews often highlight the authors' personal views and the broader cultural implications of the subjects discussed, suggesting an editorial preference for content that provokes thought and challenges conventional narratives.