Category Archives: Travel Guides
The Little Book of Jack the Ripper
Did you know? *Annie Chapman`s uterus and Mary Jane Kelly`s heart were removed by the killer *A prince of England is amongst the suspects *Some believe the killings were covered up by the Masons The Jack the Ripper mystery is one of the greatest whodunnits the world has ever known. With a backdrop of swirling
Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker`s War 1941-45
In 1942, with a black-market chicken under his arm, Leo Marks left his father`s famous bookshop, 84 charing cross road, and went to war. He was twenty-two and a cryptographer of genius. In “Between silk and cyanide”, his critically acclaimed account of his time in SOE, Marks tells how he revolutionized the code-making techniques of
South West Secret Agents: True Stories of the West Country at War
True tales of Second World War spies from across the West Country have been collected together for the very first time in this fascinating book. From the rescue operations as the exodus from France began to the secret guerrilla army in Devon and Cornwall, this book will amaze and intrigue with the incredible stories of
A Century of Bristol. Events,People & Places over the 20th Century
This fascinating selection of photographs illustrates the extraordinary transformation that has taken place in Bristol during the 20th century. The book offers an insight into the daily lives and living conditions of local people and gives the reader glimpses and details of familiar places during this century of unprecedented change. Many aspects of Bristol`s recent
`Paddington` Pollaky, Private Detective: The Mysterious Life and Times of the Real Sherlock Holmes
`Paddington` Pollaky, Victorian super-sleuth, was a contradiction: a man of mystery who tried to keep out of the limelight, while at times craving recognition and publicity. He was a busybody, a meddler, yet someone whose heart was ultimately in the right place. Newspaper accounts detail his work as a private detective in London, his association
The Making of Modern Streatham
Michael and Janet Fitzgerald`s new book is a comprehensive guide to contemporary Streatham and its history, including many interviews with local characters, and jam-packed with fascinating and offbeat stories. Join them on this unique exploration of south London: this isn`t boring suburbia – there`s something unexpected around every corner. With chapters on buildings, music and
Lost Villages Of Britain
In an age when building developments seem to be advancing on every small plot of unspoilt countryside, it seems hard to imagine times when well-established settlements were declining and dying. Such times certainly did exist, and thousands of villages have perished. In fact, deserted settlement sites are all around us, and most British people will
Bristol Murders
“Bristol Murders” brings together numerous murderous tales that shocked not only the city but also made national headlines. Contained within the pages of this book are the stories behind some of the most heinous crimes ever committed in Bristol. They include the murder and suicide of a brother and sister in 1842; the tragic death
All the Countries We`ve Ever Invaded: And the Few We Never Got Round To
Out of 193 countries that are currently UN member states, we`ve invaded or fought conflicts in the territory of 171. That`s not far off a massive, jaw-dropping 90 per cent. Not too many Britons know that we invaded Iran in the Second World War with the Soviets. You can be fairly sure a lot more
Hampstead and Belsize Park Then & Now
Hampstead village began growing in the eighteenth century. Large houses were built as country retreats and for some years Hampstead flourished as a spa. As the nineteenth century progressed, streets and houses replaced the fields and hedgerows of Belsize Park and Hampstead, but the Heath was saved as a public open space. Today, Hampstead is
Arnhem: Nine Days of Battle
The greatest airborne operation in history commenced on 17 September 1944. Nine days later nearly four out five of the British 1st Airborne Division and their Polish comrades would be killed, wounded or captured as Germany secured her last great battlefield victory of the war. The ferocious and gallant actions in Arnhem and Oosterbeek have
Scotland`s Castles
Scotland`s Castles is a beautifully illustrated celebration and account of the renaissance of Scottish castles that has taken place since 1950. Over 100 ruined and derelict buildings – from tiny towers to rambling baronial mansions – have been restored as homes, hotels and holiday lets. These restorations have mainly been carried out by new owners
Great Stink of London
In the sweltering summer of 1858, the stink of sewage from the polluted Thames was so offensive that it drove Members of Parliament from the chamber of the House of Commons. Sewage generated by a population of over two million Londoners was pouring into the river and was being carried to and fro by the
Tunnels, Towers and Temples
“Tunnels, Towers & Temples” takes a sideways look at London, revealing the hidden stories, curious histories and sometimes comic assocations behind dozens of often quite familiar places. Through their stories, the author reveals a strange side of London most people never come to know, even though they walk its streets every day and take much
British Abroad
Travel for pleasure developed greatly in the 18th century, and here Jeremy Black examines travel on the Continent, the so-called “Grand Tour”.
Madams – Bawds & Brothel-Keepers Of London
An entertaining romp through the history of London`s brothels and the women who offered their services
London: Crime, Death and Debauchery
London: Crime, Death & Debauchery is an alternative history of the darker side of Britain?s capital city. No other book on London covers this topic in such a complete fashion, with cases ranging from the Restoration to the early nineteenth century. It weaves macabre accounts into an entertaining criminal history accessible to all.
Eiffel: The Genius Who Reinvented Himself
David Harvie tells the story of Gustave Eiffel and of the conception, and controversial construction of the tower that bears his name, perhaps the most famous tall building in the world.
