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Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > Local history
Previously published as The Summer Season and The Canal Girl. For
fans of Katie Flynn and Dilly Court, The Canal Boat Girl is a
heartwarming novel from the queen of family saga, and author of The
Nursemaid's Secret. Wales, 1883. Young Ruth Owen, a talented
musician with a scholarship to a prestigious music school, has a
sparkling career ahead of her. But after a run-in with her
mysterious tutor she flees to London, leaving everything and
everyone behind. London, 1897. Fourteen years later, Ruth, now
married with two children, finds herself struggling for money and a
place to live. Left with no other option, they decide to return to
Wales and live on a canal boat. Life on the canals may seem
idyllic, but what troubles await her return? And can the past ever
truly be forgotten? 'Like having dinner with your mother in her
warm and cosy kitchen.' Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the
Sake of Her Family Don't miss the next novel from Sheila Newberry,
The East End Nurse. Coming November 2021. Pre-order now!
Oswestry is an ancient market town, just to the west of Shrewsbury
and close to the Welsh border. Not much has happened here since the
Battle of Maserfield in 642, which is perhaps why the town is so
popular among discerning tourists and those in search of a quiet
life. For his new book, David Trumper has teamed up with Ray
Farlow, Shropshire postcard collector extraordinaire, for a feast
of photographs that illustrate bygone days in Oswestry and the
surrounding villages. Featured here are numerous scenic images of
Oswestry's centre, its streets and buildings, photographs of locals
at work and play, pubs, people and the stunning countryside around
and about. It is sure to appeal to all those who know and love the
town.
For the devotee of Irish heritage, mythology or folklore, County
Sligo has everything. From the Curlew mountains in the south, where
Aodh Ruadh O Domhnaill defeated an English army under Sir Conyers
Clifford, to Benbulben's slopes in the north, where St Colmcille
battled the High King of Ireland, every hill and valley is linked
by the gossamer threads of myth, folklore and legend. These
stories, some age-old legends and fantastical myths, some amusing
anecdotes and cautionary tales, are a heady mix of the
bloodthirsty, funny and passionate and a selection of the best are
retold here by writer and local historian Joe McGowan. In these
pages you will find little-known anecdotes of the traditional ways
of Sligo's residents, their customs and superstitions; you will
find stories of epic battles and heroic deeds; and you will also
hear the fantastical accounts of mythical creatures, faeries,
witches and the ghosts of Connacht itself.
How We Got to Coney Island is the definitive history of mass
transportation in Brooklyn. Covering 150 years of extraordinary
growth, Cudahy tells the complete story of the trolleys, street
cars, steamboats, and railways that helped create New York's
largest borough---and the remarkable system that grew to connect
the world's most famous seaside resort with Brooklyn, New York City
across the river, and, ultimately, the rest of the world. Includes
tables, charts, photographs, and maps.
How We Got to Coney Island is the definitive history of mass
transportation in Brooklyn. Covering 150 years of extraordinary
growth, Cudahy tells the complete story of the trolleys, street
cars, steamboats, and railways that helped create New York's
largest borough---and the remarkable system that grew to connect
the world's most famous seaside resort with Brooklyn, New York City
across the river, and, ultimately, the rest of the world. Includes
tables, charts, photographs, and maps.
Norwich is not only one of the most attractive cities in England,
it is also one of the most historically significant, with a proud
heritage dating all the way back to the Iceni, who bravely fought
the Roman invasion. At the time of the Norman Conquest, Norwich was
the largest city in England after London and until the Industrial
Revolution was the capital of the most populous county in the
country. Much of this rich and vibrant past is still in evidence
today. Author Michael Chandler takes the reader on their very own
A-Z tour around the city's history, exploring the nooks and
crannies that have made Norwich what it is today, and relating many
a fascinating tale of the most interesting people and places. Fully
illustrated with stunning photographs from the past and present,
this new guide to the town's history will appeal to residents and
visitors alike.
Beyond its housing estates and identikit high streets there is
another Britain. This is the Britain of mist-drenched forests and
unpredictable sea-frets: of wraith-like fog banks, druidic
mistletoe and peculiar creatures that lurk, half-unseen, in the
undergrowth, tantalising and teasing just at the periphery of human
vision. How have the remarkably persistent folkloric traditions of
the British Isles formed and been formed by the identities and
psyches of those who inhabit them? In her sparkling new history,
Carolyne Larrington explores the diverse ways in which a myriad of
imaginary and fantastical beings has moulded the cultural history
of the nation. Fairies, elves and goblins here tread purposefully,
sometimes malignly, over an eerie, preternatural landscape that
also conceals brownies, selkies, trows, knockers, boggarts,
land-wights, Jack o'Lanterns, Barguests, the sinister Nuckleavee,
or water-horse, and even Black Shuck: terrifying hell-hound of the
Norfolk coast with eyes of burning coal. Focusing on liminal points
where the boundaries between this world and that of the
supernatural grow thin those marginal tide-banks, saltmarshes,
floodplains, moors and rock-pools wherein mystery lies the author
shows how mythologies of Mermen, Green men and Wild-men have helped
and continue to help human beings deal with such ubiquitous
concerns as love and lust, loss and death and continuity and
change. Evoking the Wild Hunt, the ghostly bells of Lyonesse and
the dread fenlands haunted by Grendel, and ranging the while from
Shetland to Jersey and from Ireland to East Anglia, this is a book
that will captivate all those who long for the wild places: the
mountains and chasms where Gog, Magog and their fellow giants lie
in wait."
Ronald Blythe's 1969 book Akenfield - a moving portrait of English
country life told in the voices of the farmers and villagers
themselves - is a modern classic. In 2004, writer and reporter
Craig Taylor returned to the village in Suffolk on which Akenfield
was based. Over the course of several months, he sought out locals
who had appeared in the original book to see how their lives had
changed, he met newcomers to discuss their own views, and he
interviewed Ronald Blythe himself, now in his eighties. Young
farmers, retired orchardmen and Eastern European migrant workers
talk about the nature of farming in an age of computerization and
encroaching supermarkets; commuters, weekenders and retirees
discuss the realities behind the rural idyll; and the local priest,
teacher and more describe the daily pleasures and tribulations of
village life. Together, they offer a panoramic and revealing
portrait of rural English society at a time of great change.
The Worcester and Birmingham Canal, some thirty miles long, was
created from 1791, when it was authorised by Act of Parliament, to
1815 when it was completed 24 years later. Although intended as a
broad canal for barges and having five broad tunnels, it was
eventually completed with narrow locks due to financial
difficulties. From Gas Street Basin at the Birmingham end it passes
through the suburbs of Edgbaston, Selly Oak and Kings Norton, then
through the long West Hill Tunnel and via Hopwood and Alvechurch
through countryside to Tardebigge, all this section being on the
Birmingham Level. Then it descends in stages via fifty-six narrow
locks and two barge locks to the River Severn at Diglis via Stoke
Prior, Hanbury Wharf, Dunhampstead, Oddingley, Tibberton, Blackpole
and the eastern suburbs of Worcester City. The earlier chapters of
this book trace in detail the successive stages reached in making
the canal and the reservoirs needed to safeguard the water supplies
of millowners, the financial and other problems faced, and the saga
of the Tardebigge Boat Lifi. Later chapters cover the history of
the canal following its completion, its use for both commercial and
pleasure purposes, its administration and management, its upkeep
and maintenance, its involvement with railways, and the various
industries and amenities which were established beside it, Three of
the final chapters feature past and present places and items of
interest located along the canal from Birmingham to Worcester. Of
special interest throughout is the impact the canal had upon the
lives of countless people, those involved in its construction,
those who lived and worked on the boats, those who were employed by
the Canal Company as engineers, lock-keepers and maintenance men,
people who worked in canalside factories, shops, public house,
boatyards, and on wharves, and those concerned for the welfare of
canal boat families and their animals.
Having been granted city status during the Golden Jubilee
celebrations in 2002, Stirling is Scotland's smallest city. Despite
this, it has an enthralling wealth of architectural and historic
heritage that would be the envy of much larger places in the
country. Stirling's origins can be dated to the thirteenth century,
when it was granted a royal charter and became a significant
medieval settlement. Its strategic importance as the 'Gateway to
the Highlands' also made it the much fought-over 'Cockpit of
Scotland', making it witness to many of the most significant
battles in Scottish history. Today, Stirling is a bustling and
charming historic city that retains much of its ancient character
and architectural quality. Using a beautiful collection of old and
new images, Stirling Through Time explores how Stirling has
transformed and evolved over the years.
Pittsburgh: The Story of an American City follows Pittsburgh from
its frontier beginnings through its evolution into the most heavily
industrialized city in the world, to the city's renewal of itself
as "America's Most Livable City." This beautiful volume though, is
much more than the story of a single city; it is the history of the
United States. This book is based on years of research and includes
contributions by such noted American historians as Henry Steele
Commager and Oscar Handlin. More than 1100 pictures recreate the
city's dramatic 200+year history. Featured are photographs by W.
Eugene Smith, Margaret Bourke-White, Norman W. Schumm, Lorant
himself and others. A chronology of events from 1717 offers
historical snapshots in the day to day life of the archetypical
American city.
The Little Book of Herefordshire is a compendium full of
information that will make you say, 'I never knew that!' Contained
within is a plethora of entertaining facts about Herefordshire's
famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its literary,
artistic and sporting achievements, transport, battles, ghostly
appearances and customs both ancient and modern. A reliable
reference and a quirky guide, this book can be dipped into time and
again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the
secrets and the enduring fascination of the county. A remarkably
engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and
locals alike.
A guide to more than 100 of the curious and interesting corners of
Edinburgh, Odd Corners of Edinburgh explores the hidden treasures
of Scotland's capital city and unlocks the forgotten meaning of
landmarks that have become familiar. It tells the reader how to
find and understand the city's nooks and crannies, and includes
information on the location of and access to all the sites covered.
Symbols such as the Heart of Midlothian and Holy Corner are
revealed in all their detail, and neglected jewels such as
Edinburgh University's St Cecilia's Hall are included. The book is
illustrated with more than 120 modern and historic photographs and
line drawings.
Broughty Ferry has gone through many changes since its origins as a
small fishing village nestled in the shadow of a fifteenth-century
castle. The industrial age saw wealthy jute barons arrive and build
their grand residences there, while the coming of the train saw the
town become a popular destination for holidaymakers. The twentieth
century and beyond has seen Broughty Ferry evolve into a popular
and affluent suburb. This compilation of images follows Broughty
Ferry through all of these changes and shows how, despite
officially becoming part of Dundee in 1913, 'the Ferry' has always
maintained an independent air.
A reminiscence of Lake Minnesota in the 1920s.
The practice of ceremony offers ways to build relationships between
the land and its beings, reflecting change while drawing upon deep
relationships going back millennia. Ceremony may involve intricate
and spectacular regalia but may also involve simple tools, such as
a plastic bucket for harvesting huckleberries or a river rock that
holds heat for sweat. The Art of Ceremony provides a contemporary
and historical overview of the nine federally recognized tribes in
Oregon, through rich conversations with tribal representatives who
convey their commitments to ceremonial practices and the
inseparable need to renew language, art, ecological systems,
kinship relations, and political and legal sovereignty. Vivid
photographs illuminate the ties between land and people at the
heart of such practice, and each chapter features specific
ceremonies chosen by tribal co-collaborators, such as the Siletz
Nee Dosh (Feather Dance), the huckleberry gathering of the Cow
Creek Umpqua, and the Klamath Return of C'waam (sucker fish)
Ceremony. Part of a larger global story of Indigenous rights and
cultural resurgence in the twenty-first century, The Art of
Ceremony celebrates the power of Indigenous renewal, sustainable
connection to the land, and the ethics of responsibility and
reciprocity between the earth and all its inhabitants.
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