Books published by Amberley Publishing

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has much to celebrate. The city has been central to Scottish life and its history for many centuries. Its festivals attract visitors from all over the world, the quality of its architecture has been awarded the highest accolade of World Heritage status, and nature also gifted Edinburgh with the most stunning of settings. Its eminent scientists, engineers, philosophers and men of letters are internationally renowned. It is this combination of factors that make Edinburgh the United Kingdom's second most popular tourist destination. In Celebrating Edinburgh, local authors Jack Gillon and Fraser Parkinson highlight some of the significant aspects of the city's history and identity: its notable individuals, achievements, events and culture. Chapters focus on different themes such as its literary prominence - Edinburgh was UNESCO's first City of Literature in 2004 - and the authors, past and present, who have lived here, from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Burns to Ian Rankin and JK Rowling. Here too are the world-famous Fringe Festival, Military Tattoo and Hogmanay celebrations. The city's exceptional architecture and its place as the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment in the eighteenth century are also highlighted, together with its natural heritage and fringe of villages including Leith and Portobello. Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to residents, visitors and all those with links to this marvellous city.

Manchester and Salford boast an extraordinary historical legacy. In particular, nowhere has a better claim to be regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The area played a pioneering role in transport history, with the Bridgewater Canal and one terminus of the world's first fully fledged passenger railway. It saw the collaboration of Marx and Engels, the birth of what became the Suffragette movement and the groundwork for the computer revolution. More recently Manchester saw the discovery of graphene - a form of carbon. All this and much more is reflected in the two cities' rich heritage of great architecture and urban landscapes. Much of this heritage and many of the important buildings are from the nineteenth century onwards, but there are remains dating back to Roman times. This book of exceptional photographs reflects the area through the lens of award-winning photographer Jon Sparks. Here are the contrasting scenes and buildings, old and new, that define the essence, identity and vibrant spirit of Manchester and Salford. From industry to sport, leisure to worship, culture to transport and listed buildings to modern skyscrapers, this is a stunning portrait of two eternally fascinating cities.

Coal and iron making first brought railways to what is now called South Yorkshire. The industrial towns of Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster attracted the Victorian pioneers, who built a myriad of often competing lines to the collieries and factories. The carriage of people was almost an afterthought, but once there was demonstrable demand, the passenger routes followed, linking the growing centres of population and connecting with the major cities in adjoining counties and further afield. Perhaps most historically of all, the immense challenge of piercing the Pennines at Woodhead was met with the construction of the Great Central's line from Sheffield to Manchester, later famously electrified and then regrettably closed. This photographic collection presents a selection of images from across this diverse county from the 1970s to the present day, from the dying days of the pits to the era of the internet-enabled trains of the twenty-first century. Many of these pictures feature infrastructure and locations that have long since disappeared from the railway map.

The Blackburn, later Hawker Siddeley, Buccaneer enjoyed an incredible service career that lasted over four decades. Designed as a carrier-borne attack aircraft, the Buccaneer was a solid aircraft designed to take the punishment of carrier operations and the constant stresses to the airframe caused by low-level flying. The aircraft entered service with the Royal Navy in 1962 in place of the Supermarine Scimitar and would continue with the senior service until 1978. The RAF received their first aircraft in 1969 - a legacy of the cancelled TSR.2 and F-111K, which resulted in a capability gap that had to be closed. The Buccaneer went on to serve the RAF in the low-level strike and reconnaissance role until 1994, serving with distinction during the Gulf War of early 1991. A robust and reliable aircraft that was popular with both its air and ground crews, the Buccaneer was a breed apart. A truly great British piece of engineering.

With its roots dating back to the late 1940s and the de Havilland Comet airliner, the Nimrod already had pedigree when it first appeared in the late 1960s in place of the Avro Shackleton in the Maritime Reconnaissance role. Fewer than fifty were built for the RAF, the type being steadily upgraded throughout its career right up to its retirement in 2011. Compared to the Shackleton, the Nimrod brought comfort and reliability to its multi-role long-range activities, including anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and anti-surface warfare. The Nimrod saw action during the Falklands War, the Gulf Wars, Afghanistan and a continued contribution (since 1977) to Operation Tapestry - the protection of the UK's Sovereign Sea Areas. Specialist versions of the Nimrod also served in the signals intelligence role while other attempted developments failed, such as the Airborne Early Warning role and the final, costly MRA.4 versions, neither of which entered RAF service. This book tells the story of this remarkable aircraft.

Across the country at numerous locations the government operated another railway, hidden from the public, behind high wire fences. These were the railways serving the Ministry of Defence. A fascinating collection of sites, with differing gauges, origins and functions. At its peak in the 1950 and 1960s the nation was covered with rail-served military locations, varying from a siding right up to huge storage locations, with self-contained internal networks. Each military service had its individual rail command, operating independently, with different locos types and even gauges. Recent history has seen these brought together, amalgamated as the Defence Rail Organisation. Unlike many industrial rail systems, a feature of military rail sites was the high standard of maintenance, not only of the rolling stock, but of the surrounding environment, well kept track formations were a usual order. Part of the fascination of these railways was the mystery that naturally surrounded their operation, use and stock. Some locations remain in use, but the large majority have been taken out of use, mainly as units have closed down, but in some case the abandonment of rail in favour of internal road transport. This book looks at rolling stock used at a number of locations, both standard and narrow gauge, and where appropriate the locations served by these largely unknown systems.

Hemmed in by river, downland and sea, the archaeology of Kent has always had a reputation for uniqueness. So when the Portable Antiquities Scheme, an initiative to record objects found by members of the public, was launched in 1997, Kent was the obvious choice to become a pilot county. It did not disappoint. Kent has so far produced finds such the headline-grabbing, solid gold Ringlemere cup, a unique Roman Republican helmet -the only one ever found in Britain - and several Anglo-Saxon garnet-inlaid brooches. Not to mention the anonymous, wide scatterings of pot sherds, buckles, occasional lost keys and swathes of often indecipherable coins. Telling the history of Kent through its objects, every find in this book was discovered by a member of the public and recorded by the PAS. Each one helps us fit together a bigger, clearer picture of Kent's history, its people and relationship with the wider world.

Humber Cars date back to 1899, when Thomas Humber produced his Humber Phaeton model. The company went on to manufacture various quality motor vehicles, but financial difficulties during the 1920s led to it being bought out in 1928. The company became part of the Rootes Group, which would also include Hillman, Sunbeam, Singer, Commer and Karrier. The Rootes brothers were keen to promote the Humber marque as a prestige brand to place it alongside Rover and Jaguar. This book takes up the story of Humber cars at the end of Second World War, looking at the Hawk, Super Snipe and Sceptre, as well as the marque's association with royalty and government. The marque's eventual demise came in 1976, and Stephen Lewis utilises an array of fascinating rare and previously unpublished images to tell the full story of Humber's post-war era.

Historically part of Lancashire, Bury grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution as a mill town producing textiles alongside many other expanding towns in the area and now lies within Greater Manchester. The town is well known for its large traditional open-air market, one of the best in the country, which draws large numbers of visitors. The industrial legacy of Bury is still visible, with the Manchester, Bury & Bolton Canal, the remaining factories and mills and areas of terraced housing, but following decline in the textile industry and other manufacturing in recent decades, the shopping centre was rebuilt in the 1960s and 1970s and has been subsequently rebuilt again, with housing areas extended outwards, linked to Manchester by the Metrolink tram service. In spite of the many changes that have occurred in Bury the town has retained its identity and most of its historical buildings. This fascinating selection of old and new images of Bury will be essential reading for all those who know the town and the area.

Among the many lines that branch all around the East of England, there are some that can be seen diverging from stations that are never used by the train operating companies. These lines head to hidden gems within the East of England known as preserved railways. These provide their own different views and panoramas across the East, and with their range of classic steam and diesel locomotives are a mecca for the railway enthusiast. In this book there are seven preserved railways that can be found in the East of England, all of which vary in length and in featured locomotives. Perfect for both local visitors and those from further afield considering a trip, this is an affectionate tribute to an important part of our national heritage.

The Lancashire city of Preston has an illustrious history stretching back to Roman times. From the thirteenth century onwards it became renowned for its textiles and it was later one of the major towns of the Industrial Revolution. Originally at the heart of the cotton industry, the town is now a sprawling university city and has achieved remarkable things. This proud heritage, a strong sense of local identity and character has given the city and its people much to celebrate throughout the centuries. In Celebrating Preston, local author Keith Johnson chronicles the significant and positive aspects of the city's history from inventions to industry, landmarks to leisure, and newsworthy events to notable achievements. Discover those Preston folk who toiled willingly to make their vision of a more prosperous and pleasant place come to fruition. New buildings and structures have been cause for celebration, as have the numerous public parks developed within the city's boundaries. Within the fields of industry, commerce, art and literature many Prestonians have made an impressive contribution. The author looks back on the royal visits to the city and the occasions when local people turned out to acknowledge military and sporting heroes, or simply to commemorate historic and national events. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Preston's rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Preston will be a valuable contribution to local history while providing a source of many memories. It will be of great interest to local residents, visitors and those with links to the city.

CSX Transportation came to being in 1980 with the merger of Seaboard Coast Lines and the Chessie System, producing a system of over 21,000 route miles in twenty-four states, with incursions into two Canadian provinces. The system runs from Beauharnois, Quebec in the north to Miami, Florida in the south and covers much of the industrial north-east of the States, as well as the more rural areas that lead to the south-east of the country. Most of the locomotive fleet are now painted in a dark blue and yellow paint scheme, with earlier grey and blue schemes now almost extinct. Included in the book are images mainly from the southern division of the company's operations. These feature all manner of freight operations, along with areas with trackage rights, short line railroads fed by the CSX system and Amtrak, and commuter rail operations that use CSX tracks and assets.

Its farming and fishing industries yield an impressive harvest of ingredients, so it is no surprise to discover that Sussex also boasts a rich culinary heritage. At one point in the past it was said that 'to venture into the county was to risk being turned into a pudding yourself'. Local cookery books were filled with recipes for dense dishes including Chichester Pudding, Sussex Blanket Pudding, and the intriguingly named Sussex Pond Pudding, which contains a whole lemon and was featured on the BBC's Great British Bake Off. Today, though, the county's menus feature a much wider array of local dishes to satisfy even the most demanding palate and local produce matters much to Sussex folk, as well as being a reason the county attracts so many visitors. In Pond Puddings and Sussex Smokies local author Kevin Newman explores these changes through an investigation of the county's culinary history and specialities, together with its famous food and drink producers, markets and food-themed events. Starting with an exploration of interesting and unusual Sussex dishes and drinks, as well as the people behind them, Newman visits wonderful watering holes and incredible eating places from across the centuries such as 'Pacy's Blood Hole' and a hotel where Christmas puddings meet an unusual fate. The author focuses on the county's past and present food-themed customs and traditions, offers foodie and drinking locations to visit and investigates the quirky stories behind many locally brewed beers. He explains how 'Dirty Arthur' became dirty, how a prince provided school dinners, how a local member of the clergy ended up as a Fijian feast and why 'Black-Eyed Susan' hasn't been in a fight. We learn how it's impossible to eat a 'dish of tongues' but how you could chomp on 'the Devil's children' in the past. Sussex residents and visitors alike will discover the true flavour of Sussex in this book, and as you tuck into this fascinating and delicious study of its culinary heritage across the ages, just like the county's famous Pond Pudding, there will definitely be a something you might not have expected inside.

Leicestershire is a fascinating and diverse county. Its countryside, market towns and historic buildings attract large numbers of visitors. Place names show evidence of Roman, Saxon and Norman settlement. The Normans built castles and churches and although the castles are now in ruins, Leicestershire has some of the most beautiful parish churches in the country. The Tudor era was born in Leicestershire when Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in August 1485. Centuries later, in 2012, an ambitious excavation project uncovered the remains of Richard III under the site of a Leicester car park, and these have since been reinterred in the city's cathedral. Some of the canals and railways created in Leicestershire during the Industrial Revolution have become popular heritage sites, and the county is also known for its Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies, which are famous throughout the world. Rutland is England's smallest county and for a time was incorporated into its much larger neighbour of Leicestershire. Its motto is 'Much in Little' and this small shire has been described as 'a scenic slice of Middle England bursting with things to see and do'. In 50 Gems of Leicestershire & Rutland, local author Michael Smith highlights some of his favourite places from both counties. He has selected those locations and sites which give the visitor a real flavour of these shires at the heart of England. Included are historic buildings, parks, open spaces, events and festivals which reflect Leicestershire and Rutland's rich heritage and diverse cultures. From the River Soar meandering through a thousand years of history to the vast expanse of Rutland Water and from Bronze Age to Jet Age monuments, this is a wonderful illustrated insight into these counties.

North Shields and Tynemouth, historically united, lie on the north bank of the River Tyne. North Shields grew up as a fishing port serving the Priory of Tynemouth on the headland. As other industries moved into North Shields, particularly shipbuilding, the town expanded from its site along the riverbank to accommodate the workers, absorbing villages nearby. Latterly, much of the town, including its historic quayside area, has been regenerated. Nearby Tynemouth remained smaller and today attracts many visitors to its beaches and historical landmarks, particularly the castle and priory. In North Shields & Tynemouth Pubs, author Eileen Burnett takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the towns' watering holes. Many of the pubs have retained features and traditions of previous ages, and she reveals the variety of North Shields' and Tynemouth's pubs, including the characters that have frequented or run the public houses over the years. Brimming with quirky tales and fascinating facts, this carefully crafted guide initiates readers into the history of North Shields' and Tynemouth's pubs.

Since it was founded in 1810 by Lewis Tregonwell, the Dorset resort of Bournemouth has developed to become a favourite destination for holidaymakers across the decades. Many people have happy recollections of summers spent there, but although the memories remain constant, the town has witnessed many changes, some good and some bad. In Lost Bournemouth, local author John Needham brings together 160 colour, black-and-white and sepia photographs from throughout last century to show what has changed and how the way of life has altered through the generations. The book will focus on certain areas of the town such as the seafront and the pier, and the cinemas, theatres and the Winter Gardens that entertained the many visitors and residents of the town that have now vanished. Even everyday street scenes show how Bournemouth has developed, while pictures of the magnificent Victoria Gardens, with its once great fountains that have been replaced with flower beds, reveal what has been consigned to the history books. There are countless changes to the town that have taken place and this book will bring back many memories, using images from the past and some from the present day. Lost Bournemouth shows the reader what has been forgotten and what has disappeared through time. It is an engrossing visual chronicle, providing a wealth of history and recollections for residents and visitors alike.

Situated between the rivers Allen and Kenwyn, Truro is an ancient town but a young city. From becoming Cornwall's first chartered town in 1130 to the laying of the foundation stone for the county's only cathedral in 1880, it has gone from a medieval market town to a thriving port and, as a stannary town, grew rich on the proceeds of Cornwall's mines. Fine Georgian buildings changed the look of Truro from a provincial market town to a smaller version of Bath. Its medieval street plan contains many narrow passageways or 'opes', and many of its interesting buildings still remain despite much modern development as befits Cornwall's legal, administrative and commercial centre. When its shipping trade was eventually stolen by Falmouth, the river silted up and now only small boats can reach the Town Quay at high tide. By the twentieth century two developments changed the look of Truro forever. The arrival of the railway brought the massive sixteen-arch viaduct, which stretches across the panorama of the city from east to west. In front of it rise the three spires of the country's first Anglican cathedral to be built since St Paul's. In A-Z of Truro, author John Husband embarks on an engaging alphabetical journey through the city's history. He visits the places, buildings and streets that are significant and intriguing, and discovers the stories behind them. Along the way the author also introduces the reader to some of Truro's famous sons and daughters. From the explorer Richard Lander and his brother John (the first Europeans to follow the course of the River Niger) to the origins of the amusingly named Squeeze Guts Alley, and Walsingham Place to the Festival of Lights, this is a wonderfully illustrated insight into the history of Cornwall's county town.

Roman coinage represents the largest single category of object recorded through the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), with over 300,000 single finds in addition to several thousand hoards. This dataset, unparalleled anywhere else in the world, provides a unique perspective on the province of Roman Britain and its interaction with the larger Roman Empire. By exploring 50 key finds of Roman coinage it is possible to shed light on all aspects of Roman Britain from the conquest in AD 43 through to the Roman withdrawal by c. AD 410. Unusually for a Roman numismatic dataset, the PAS examples provide wide coverage of the entire province, revealing evidence for early military activity, the development of the rural landscape, as well as the socio-political and cultural evolution of the province. Approaching the material thematically, it will be possible to examine key elements of Roman Britain such as religion, the economy, British 'identity', the 'Britannic Empire', and the archaeological application or implications of the PAS data. Dr Andrew Brown is Deputy National Finds Advisor for Iron Age and Roman coinage at the Portable Antiquities Scheme/British Museum.

The county of Worcestershire in the West Midlands is characterised by its beautiful cathedral city of Worcester, attractive market towns and villages and its industrial heritage, particularly in the north-east of the county. The Malvern Hills, Clent Hills and the Cotswolds stand out from the rural and man-made landscape, including the traditional orchards in the Vale of Evesham, particularly around Pershore, and the county is also shaped by the River Severn and River Avon. Photographer Steven Hamilton has captured Worcestershire's essence in this collection of stunning images, displaying the county at its best. For those who are proud to live in the county, as well as those visiting, this book is a must. Look through these photographs and you will quickly see why this corner of England has such enduring appeal.

In this book, author Robert Bard guides readers on a spine-tingling journey to discover the paranormal and unexplained happenings that have occurred throughout Berkshire. From haunted sites to spectral figures and supernatural phenomena, here is an eerie exploration of the royal county and a collection of its chilling tales. Each of the chapters in Paranormal Berkshire focuses on a different location linked to ghostly occurrences and among the places featured are Windsor Castle, Old Windsor, Reading Abbey, Maidenhead, Ascot, Newbury, Hungerford, Bisham, Caversham, Cookham, Datchet, Slough, Thatcham and some of the smaller villages in the county. The author visits the traditional sites of paranormal activity and, with the assistance of the Oxfordshire and Berkshire Paranormal Research Group, reveals newly discovered material. He also participates in a local ghost hunt and provides a fascinating account of his observations accompanied by his own photographs. As well as detailing the nature of his own interest in the paranormal, and his experiences at the various paranormal sites, author Robert Bard also selects his own haunted highlights from his chilling exploration through the county. Paranormal Berkshire will appeal to those with an interest in the supernatural, and to local people who want to discover their county's haunted heritage. Are you brave enough to read on?

The Portable Antiquities Scheme celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in 2018, and has been operating in Buckinghamshire since 2003 when the scheme went national. Today the scheme runs in England and Wales, with thirty-nine Finds Liaison Officers recording objects discovered by members of the public. Working with local archaeology finders, including metal detectorists, this has allowed for both the discovery of new significant objects and sites across the country. This is a unique scheme, allowing anyone to add to the archaeological record, which in turn has helped research projects using the database to discover more about our heritage. The scheme in Buckinghamshire has recorded a wealth of discoveries, from the everyday objects that showcase the history and life in the area, its industry and creativity, to the more unusual such as the recent discovery of the Lenborough Hoard. These objects hold the stories of the past, and can tell us about the way of life of the ordinary people. The book will examine life from prehistory to the more recent, as well as the movement of the people and their belongings.

Originally a county town in Middlesex, Ealing became known as the 'Queen of the Suburbs' at the beginning of the last century. Famous for the Ealing Studios, the oldest film studios in the world, in this book authors Paul Lang and Dr Jonathan Oates delve into the fascinating but often lesser-known history of this district. Characters associated with Ealing include Olga Grey, hockey player and MI5 agent, and Ealing's pro-Hitler MP, and other links with espionage and political extremism include suspected Soviet spies and a Communist cell in nineteenth-century Hanwell. Crime has stalked the streets of Ealing with the tale of the disappearance of Peregrine Henniker-Heaton and dissent when the borough was home to anti-German riots in 1915 and the Sunday Opening controversy in the 1930s. Alongside these tales the authors uncover stories of sports stars, film studios, wartime and ancient Ealing. Secret Ealing explores the lesser-known episodes and characters in the history of the borough through the years. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, it will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this West London district.

For almost forty-five years following the end of the Second World War, the world held its breath as the spectre of an even more terrible and devastating conflict hung over it. Britain played a significant role in what became known as the 'Cold War'. As a senior member of NATO with its own independent nuclear deterrent, the country was also a target for Soviet attack. Unlike the early years of the previous world wars, the country was not faced with the prospect of an enemy invasion; however, it was faced with the probability of attack by nuclear armed missiles and bombs. Kent played an important role during the Cold War as it was still the home to many important military bases and installations. Following the demise of the Soviet Union most of these installations fell out of use and were abandoned and in some cases demolished or redeveloped to make way for housing and industrial estates, whilst others have been repurposed or restored as museums. This book seeks to rediscover some of those sites and explain the purpose they served.

Since 1997 the Portable Antiquities Scheme has recorded almost 1.5 million objects found in England and Wales, the vast majority discovered by members of the public rather than professional archaeologists. Among these finds are more than 10,000 early medieval coins. Each one of these coins has its own story to tell, from its minting, use and loss through to its eventual recovery and recording. In this book, Dr John Naylor, the PAS's National Finds Adviser for Early Medieval and Later Coinage, explores the Anglo-Saxon world through these coin finds, tracing the development of coinage from the end of Roman Britain to the Norman Conquest of 1066 and how they were used by early medieval people. As well as their use in trading, he shows how they can help us to understand how the Anglo-Saxons saw themselves through looking at coin design and iconography, and how they were used in diverse and interesting ways such as their inclusion in burials and hoards, and their re-use as items of jewellery.

The county of Devon, with its coastline north and south, wild moorland, and rolling rural countryside, villages, market towns, many characterised by local industries, and historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth, has a rich military history that stretches back through centuries. Evidence of Devon's military heritage can be seen throughout the county with numerous buildings and other structures still standing proud today. Devon's Military Heritage explores the long military history of the county, not only the battles that took place on its soil and the measures that were taken to defend it against possible attack but also the heritage of the military units that were raised in the county and which were sent to fight in conflicts abroad. The 1588 Spanish Armada was first engaged by the English fleet off Plymouth, and the famous Devon mariners Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Hawkins, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Richard Grenville were at the forefront of the defeat of the Armada and other encounters with the Spanish during this period. A hundred years later, in 1688, William of Orange landed at Brixham to launch the Glorious Revolution. Devonport has long been a major port and shipbuilding centre for the Royal Navy and Plymouth was a target for German aerial bombardment in the Second World War. Soldiers from the Devonshire Regiment and the Royal Devon Yeomanry and their antecedents fought for the country for centuries and Devon was also the site of the disastrous rehearsal for D-Day where hundreds of Allied servicemen lost their lives off Slapton Sands and in Lyme Bay. The military heritage of castles, fortifications, airfields, military bases and monuments throughout the county is also explored. This book will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about Devon's remarkable military history.

Soho and Fitzrovia are two of London's most vibrant and bohemian neighbourhoods. Divided geographically only by Oxford Street, they can both boast a fascinating and occasionally dark history. In this book, author Johnny Homer takes readers on an engaging tour of these areas. Today, Soho is at the centre of the capital's Theatreland and entertainments scene. Here are the theatres, shops, clubs and restaurants, together with the streets, squares and alleyways that bring the city to life during the day and at night. Soho has long been London's playground, a place of illicit pleasure, high and low culture, pubs, brothels and gangland feuds. It is a unique melting pot of cultures and influences, and the location of iconic places such as Carnaby Street, Ronnie Scott's jazz club, the Windmill Theatre and home to Private Eye magazine. Fitzrovia is perhaps more refined; a district of fashion houses, advertising agencies and the BBC. In the past it had a bohemian reputation, and was home to authors including Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw. Discover more about famous residents and notable venues such as the Fitzroy Tavern, the UFO Club, and the landmark Post Office Tower. From Karl Marx to Mozart, Casanova to Jimi Hendrix, the inventor of television to the man who introduced the espresso machine into England, A-Z of Soho and Fitzrovia offers an irreverent historical guide to London's liveliest locality. But be warned, once you enter you will never want to leave.

Cornwall has a long and fascinating history of ghost stories, from ghostly ships seen traversing the coastline, phantom smugglers and pirates to grisly murders and lonely suicides. Those who live in Cornwall or visit the county are never far from a place associated with the paranormal. In this book author David Scanlan investigates the myriad ghost stories that are to be found in Cornwall. These tales of phantoms, spooks and spectres include the multiply haunted Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor and its Smugglers Museum, made famous by Daphne du Maurier; the mermaid who spirited a man away at Zennor and took him for her husband; and the lonely and eccentric vicar of St Bartholomew's Church in Warleggan whose ghost haunts the pathway leading to the vicarage. Paranormal Cornwall contains these and many other narratives which will delight the ghost hunters and the spiritualists, make the sceptical think again, and send chills up and down every spine.

Edinburgh has a literary tradition like no other. In 2004, the capital became the first ever UNESCO City of Literature and its book festival is the largest public celebration of the written word on the planet. But that is merely scratching the surface. For centuries, work written, set and published in the city, or directly influenced by Edinburgh, has changed the face of the world. A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Peter Pan, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter are just a few of the many books and stories that owe their inspiration to Edinburgh or were created in the city and to these could be added the city's influential literary journals or the other incredible achievements of its authors. Walter Scott, for instance, found the lost Scottish crown jewels, invented the historical romance, helped create tartan and turned the highlands into a tourist destination. He is also credited with uniting the highlands and lowlands and kick-starting the American Civil War. Edinburgh's Literary Heritage seeks to redress that. Covering authors, books, journals, ideas, festivals, attractions and landmarks, it tells the fascinating history of Edinburgh's astonishing literary legacy, as well as being a guide to the locations where that legacy can still be found.

The Man in the Iron Mask has all the hallmarks of a thrilling adventure story: a glamorous and all-powerful king, ambitious ministers, a cruel and despotic gaoler, dark and sinister dungeons - and a secret prisoner. It is easy for forget that this story, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, is that of a real person, who spent more than thirty years in the prison system of Louis XIV's France never to be freed. This book brings to life the true story of this mysterious man and follows his journey through four prisons and across decades of time. It introduces the reader to those with whom he shared his imprisonment, those who had charge of him and those who decided his fate. The Man in the Iron Mask is one of the most enduring mysteries of Louis XIV's reign, but, above all, it is a human story. Using contemporary documents, this book shows what life was really like for state prisoners in seventeenth-century France and offers tantalising insight into why this mysterious man was arrested and why, several years later, his story would become one of France's most intriguing legends.

Although within close proximity to London, the county of Surrey is blessed with green open spaces, including the North Downs, the Weald and the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All these make it a welcome escape from the frenetic pace and urban sprawl of the capital. The highest point in the county is Leith Hill, with its landmark eighteenth-century tower, one of the county's many National Trust sites. First recorded as 'Suthinge' in AD 722, Surrey became a favourite royal hunting ground and today it is renowned as a centre of horse racing with courses at Epsom, Kempton and Sandown. Racing of another kind once took place at Brooklands, the scene of many record-breaking motoring feats, and during the Second World War aircraft were manufactured there. A museum now celebrates the site's illustrious heritage. In Surrey in Photographs, professional photographer John Miller captures the spirit, essence and identity of Surrey in a series of superb images. He highlights the immense variety of places and landmarks to be found here ranging from rural to urban locations.