In this entertaining book the author identifies each of the old coaching inns which provide ample evidence of Amersham's importance as a stopping place on the great coach road from London to the Midlands. He traces the history of all the town's tanneries and proves that Weller's brewery is much older than previously believed and that its many maltings were selling vast quantities of malt to London brewers in the 17th century. He does not neglect the townspeople themselves, not least the Drakes of Shardeloes who dominated the political, religious and social life of Amersham for 350 years. Here he is able to draw on the unique knowledge of Barney Tyrwhitt Drake, a direct descendant. Julian Hunt's well-researched narrative is both comprehensive and easy to read. Splendidly illustrated, it is a significant contribution to the published history of Buckinghamshire and will be warmly welcomed in and around old Amersham itself.

A pictorial history of Winslow, presented through a series of photographs and images. It also includes historical captions.

Halesowen is an old place, planned and laid out by the monks of the Premonstratensian Abbey of Hales. Much has been written about its medieval past and William Shenstone's landscape gardens at the Leasowes, but this history of the town is the first to explore fully the growth of its industry, involving all levels of society in the manufacture of iron and its use in a host of products. In addition to an account of the churches and schools that catered for the needs of the growing town, he also traces the history of each shop and public house on the main streets, splendidly illustrated with elevations of the buildings specially prepared by the popular local artist, Bill Hazlehurst. These drawing should be of special interest to younger readers and more recent inhabitants in revealing the happy confusion of building styles that gave great character to the town before its redevelopment in the 1960s. A significant contribution to the published history of both Worcestershire and the Black Country, this is a very readable and well-illustrated book.