`Victorian Cornwall' is a tour around the county from the north coast on the Devon border right around to Land's End, out to the Scillies and back up the south coast with a few inland villages interspersed. The book is illustrated by photographs taken from the 1850s right through to 1901-a large span of Queen Victoria's reign. The photographs used where practicable are as early as possible in an effort to save these rare and treasured images for generations to come. The photographs all come from the author's personal collection and will take the reader back to Cornwall of 150 years ago; included in the book are photographs of characters, customs, villages, harbours, mines and buildings of note. This fascinating book is well researched using the knowledge of many local people.

Padstow Through Time is a unique insight into the illustrious history of this part of the country. Reproduced in full colour, this is an exciting examination of Padstow, the famous streets and the famous faces, and what they meant to the people of this Cornish town throughout the 19th and into the 20th Century. Looking beyond the exquisite exterior of these well-kept photos, readers can see the historical context in which they are set, and through the author's factual captions for every picture, and carefully-selected choice of images, the reader can achieve a reliable view of this town's history. Readers are invited to follow a timeline of events and watch the changing face of this charming town, as Malcolm McCarthy guides us through Padstow's winding streets. There is something for everyone here, whether they have lived in the area all their lives, or whether they are just visiting this beautiful part of Cornwall. It also shows how photography has continually evolved to keep up with an ever changing society.

Cornwall through Magic Lantern Slides is a quality book of 287 superb professional photographs of bygone Cornwall from the later years of Queen Victoria and through the reign of Edward VII. The book transports the reader back to the nostalgic, but hard times of our forefathers. The original photographs are all positives printed on glass of subjects varying from men at work underground in the Cornish mines to chocolate box views of Cornish harbours. Many images will have been made available commercially at the time of production whilst others are taken by private individuals for lectures at their local social evenings. Photographs of Rocks or cliffs at the time would have looked dramatic to the photographer, but to the present day viewer they may seem less interesting, so these are generally not included unless something else of interest is happening in the scene. The reader will find the variety of the subjects both fascinating and of great social interest. Logistic difficulties of the cumbersome, and technically difficult equipment is discussed. This is a book for anyone interested in Magic Lantern slides or the photographic, social and topographical history of Cornwall.

Malcolm McCarthy takes us on a tour of Padstow through the ages, explaining the history behind the well-known landmarks of this ancient town. Beloved old views of Duke Street, North and South Quays and the Market show the Padstow of old, printed so the reader can trace the town's rich history in an engaging new way. With a map of interesting local landmarks, you can trace the footsteps of those who once walked Padstow's streets. The hope is that this book will help visitors to the town find their way around, illustrated with nostalgic photos of bygone days.