Little Book of (History Press)
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The Little Book of Carmarthenshire
by Dr. Russell Grigg
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Fast-paced and fact-packed, this compendium revels in the history, places and people of Wales' largest county. Carmarthenshire's rich heritage is explored within, including sport, industry, religion, education and the arts. This whistle-stop tour through the 'Garden of Wales' covers both celebrated characters and murky pasts, taking in the county's breathtaking castles, nature reserves and famous landmarks along the way. From the county gaol and asylum to school strikes and industrial riots, this is a book you won't want to put down.
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The Little Book of Welsh Culture
by Mark Rees
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Did you know?
• Richard Burton claimed that he would rather have played rugby for Wales at Cardiff Arms Park than Hamlet at the Old Vic.
• Local rivalries between choirs in the 'land of song' used to be so fierce that fights would break out following singing competitions.
• Roald Dahl was an RAF fighter pilot during the Second World War, and a near-death crash landing inspired his first published work.
The Little Book of Welsh Culture is a fast-paced, fact-filled journey through the cultural heritage of Wales, crammed full of myths, traditions and personalities.
Experience the country's immense artistic legacy as never before, from the medieval legends surrounding King Arthur and The Mabinogion to its modern-day transformation into a thriving filming location for big-screen blockbusters. Discover the truth behind the ancient druidic rituals of the National Eisteddfod, separate the facts from the fiction that surround Dylan Thomas' infamous lifestyle, and learn how Wales successfully regenerated the Doctor Who franchise — and unearth some fascinating secrets and hidden gems along the way.
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The Little Book of Ireland
by C. M. Boylan
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Ireland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of fascinating, frivolous and fantastic information which no one will want to be without. Full of details about the country, past and present, this volume covers such themes as wars and rebellions, food and drink, culture, transport, religion, law and of course its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of this ancient country. Despite being a relatively small island on the edge of the vast Atlantic there is always something new, charming, or even bizarre to discover about the Emerald Isle — and you will find much of it here.
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The Little Book of Ballsbridge
by Hugh Oram
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Ballsbridge is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about this leafy suburb of Dublin. Here you will find out about Ballsbridge's famous (and occasionally infamous) residents, its proud sporting heritage, its churches and great houses and its natural history. Down wide streets and past elegant houses, this book takes the reader on a journey through Ballsbridge and its vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of Dublin's 'embassy belt'.
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The Little Book of Hogmanay
by Bob Pegg
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Hogmanay is a feast of information exploring the history, folklore, tales, customs, food, drink and celebrations of Hogmanay, from its pagan roots to its pagan present. Whether you need a user's guide or an anthology of entertainment, The Little Book of Hogmanay will tell you all you ever wanted to know about Scotland's most widely, and wildly, celebrated festival.
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The Little Book of Crime and Punishment
by Stephen Halliday
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The English criminal justice system has come a long way since the days when noses were cut off, heretics burned at the stake and rebels were hung, drawn and quartered. Yet the Common Law, which emerged from Henry II's conflict with Thomas a Becket, survives in England (and much of the English-speaking world) and magistrates still deal with 95 per cent of crimes as they have done for at least 650 years. We no longer duck scolds and witches but we still follow Magna Carta in the way we try people, and we no longer cut off hands or heads, instead we impose curfews, 'tag' persistent offenders and, where necessary, lock them up. This book shows how our system of justice, crime and punishment has evolved and suggests where we go from here.
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The Little Book of the Paranormal
by Rupert Matthews
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The paranormal is a subject of endless fascination to the book-buying public. There is an insatiable appetite for tales of UFOs, ghosts, bigfoot, and other features of our world that are frequently reported by eyewitnesses but are not yet accepted by science as being genuine phenomena or events. This little book introduces the reader to the world of the paranormal and entertains them with numerous anecdotes, snippets of information and lists of events. Rupert Matthews has produced an amusing, and yet serious volume that will leave the reader wondering just why scientists refuse to study the amazing world of the paranormal. The book is divided into eight chapters, including: UFOs and aliens, Bigfoot and man-apes, ghosts and hauntings, sea-serpents and lake monsters, predictions and curses, poltergeists, paranormal humans and 'going beyond'-which deals with near-death experiences and mediumship. This is a thought-provoking book covering all aspects of the paranormal in an accessible and entertaining way.
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The Little Book of Belfast
by Raymond O'Regan
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Belfast is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about the city of Belfast past and present. Funny, fast-paced and fact-packed, here you will find out about Belfast's trade and industry, crime and punishment, music, literature and sport, architectural heritage, and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. It covers not only the famous elements in Belfast's history but also unusual, little-known facts that could so easily have been forgotten. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this ancient city.
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The Little Book of Berkshire
by Stuart Hylton
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
DID YOU KNOW?
• Reading Football Club was founded in 1871, the same year as the FA Cup, and is the oldest football league club south of the River Trent
• Newbury Racecourse housed a prisoner-of-war camp during the First World War
• The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's current coat of arms features three acorn sprigs — one for each of the Middleton children, who were born in Berkshire
The Little Book of Berkshire is an intriguing, fact-packed compendium of places, people and events in the county, from its earliest origins to the present day.
Here you can read about the important contributions Berkshire has made to the history of the nation, and meet some of the great men and women — the eccentrics and the scoundrels — with whom its history is littered.
Packaged in an easily readable 'dip-in' format, visitors and locals alike will find something to amuse, surprise and entertain them in this remarkably engaging little book.
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The Little Book of Yorkshire
by Geoffrey Howse
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Yorkshire is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. The county's most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters, royal connections and literally hundreds of wacky facts about Yorkshire's landscape, cities, towns and villages (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historic trivia), come together to make it essential reading for visitors and locals alike. Soak up the vast array of quirky tales from the regal Richmond of John of Gaunt to the sporting Barnsley of Dickie Bird. A handy little book for residents and visitors alike.
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The Little Book of Norwich
by Neil R. Storey
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Norwich is an intriguing, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and events in the city, from its earliest origins to the present day. Here you can read about entertainment, sport, industries, military history, transport, death and religion, crime and punishment, the coast, rivers and waterways. Also included are some of the great men and women, the eccentrics and the scoundrels with which the city's history is littered. Those curious enough to open this book will be entertained and enthralled and never short of some frivolous fact to enhance a conversation or quiz! Dip in at random or sit back and enjoy, there are no rules.
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The Little Book of Manchester
by Stuart Hylton
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Manchester is an intriguing, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and events in the city, from its Roman origins to the present day. Here you can read about the important contributions the city made to the history of the nation, learn about the individual communities and how they came together to form the modern city and meet some of the great men and women, the eccentrics and the scoundrels with which its history is littered. A reliable reference book and quirky guide, its bite-sized chunks of history can be dipped into time and again to reveal some new facts about the story of this amazing city. This is a remarkably engaging little book.
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The Little Book of Bristol
by Maurice Fells
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Bristol is an intriguing, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and trivia. A rich, and indeed sometimes bizarre, thread of history weaves its way through the 'Bristol story'. Find out all manner of things from why local women were allowed to hang out their washing at a local beauty spot to why local bye-laws restrict carpet beating to certain hours. Along with a fresh look at city life past and present, these and many more anecdotes will surprise even those Bristolians who thought they really knew their city.
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The Little Book of Wales
by Mark Lawson-Jones
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Did You Know?
• Wales is the only nation in the United Kingdom not to be represented on the Union Jack.
• During the First World War, Cardiff was the largest coal port in the world.
• Guglielmo Marconi sent the first ever wireless communication over open sea – from Wales.
The Little Book of Wales is an intriguing, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and history in Wales. Here we find out about the country's food, sports, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historic trivia).
A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of Wales. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.
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The Little Book of Golf
by Keith Souter
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Golf is one of the most popular games in the world. That is a strange thing to say, since almost all serious golfers actually have a love-hate relationship with it. A good round can bring great joy and satisfaction, while a bad round can end in depression, a binge at the bar, arguments with one's partner and the need for prompt evasive action by the family cat. Although this book is written in a light-hearted manner, it contains a wealth of information about every aspect of the game. Learn about its long and speckled history and some of the quirky characters who have graced the links. It also has some advice on putting and chipping, two parts of the game which cause the occasional golfer frustration, heartache and sore knees after repeated attempts to break the clubs. Failing that you will find a selection of fascinating anecdotes about the game's greats and plenty of intriguing trivia.
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The Little Book of Snooker
by Sean Boru
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Snooker is a wonderful collection of stories about the most hilarious and often embarrassing scenes that that have taken place in the green rooms, hotel rooms and at parties attended by the biggest legends in snooker. These stories have been told by the stars themselves, and many have never been published before. The book also lists the profiles of the contributing players with all their career achievements. It includes the most important tournaments in the snooker year, the winners and runners-up, as well as featuring a host of fascinating facts, stats, quotes and trivia relating to the green baize.
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The Little Book of Glasgow
by Geoff Holder
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Glasgow is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Geoff Holder's new book gathers together a myriad of data on Glasgow. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something you never knew. Discover why two archbishops had a fight on the steps of the cathedral, find directions to an Egyptian pharaoh and a Native American chief, and learn where you can find half-a-dozen Tardises. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.
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The Little Book of Oxfordshire
by Paul Sullivan
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Did you know?
• A trip to the Ashmolean for Alice Liddell and Charles Dodgson led to the latter, under his nom de plume Lewis Carroll, immortalizing both Liddell and himself (as a dodo) in the Alice books.
• A man was crushed beneath his own cart wheels in 1872, when his horse reared after meeting an elephant on the road from Oxford to Eynsham.
• Despite Percy Bysshe Shelley being expelled from University College for writing the pamphlet 'The Necessity of Atheism', he is now its most celebrated alumnus.
The Little Book of Oxfordshire is a funny, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information no one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, and hundreds of interesting facts (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historical trivia).
Combining essential details with little-known and entertaining information and quotations, this book is a highly engaging guide to where you are, what to look out for now you're here, and how on earth all this came to be.
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The Little Book of Cardiff
by David Collins
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
DID YOU KNOW?
• The city's coat of arms reads Deffro, mae'n ddydd — 'Awake, it is day'
• Cardiff City Football Club played in chocolate-and-amber colours before they became the 'Bluebirds'
• Brains Beer, said to be Wales' most famous drink, was first brewed in Cardiff during the 1800s.
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The Little Book of Boxing
by Graeme Kent
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Boxing has a long and eventful history and its drama, excitement and humour are covered in this fascinating account of the noble - and sometimes ignoble - art all over the world. From the bare-knuckle days when the Duke of Cumberland callously abandoned his protégé Jack Broughton when the latter could no longer fight on because he was blind, to 1964, when the charismatic Muhammad Ali knocked out Sonny Liston with a 'phantom punch' that no one in the audience saw thrown, and the advent in the twenty-first century of the dreaded 'Beast from the East', the 7ft tall Russian Nikolai Valuev who powered his inexorable way to the world heavyweight title, this book presents a vivid picture of the sport rightly known as the hardest game. Gallant stands, spectacular 'dives' audacious cons and heartbreaking defeats combine to present boxing in all its multi-faceted confusion and glory.
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The Little Book of Shropshire
by John Shipley
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Shropshire is an intriguing, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and events in the county, from its earliest origins to the present day. Here you can read about the important contributions Shropshire has made to the history of the nation, and meet some of the great men and women, the eccentrics and the scoundrels with which its history is littered. Packaged in an easily readable 'dip-in' format, visitors and locals alike will find something to remind, surprise, amuse and entertain them in the remarkably engaging little book.
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The Little Book of Lincolnshire
by Lucy Wood
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Lincolnshire is a compendium of fascinating information about this historic county, past and present. Contained within is a plethora of entertaining facts about Lincolnshire's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, natural history, literary, artistic and sporting achievements, loony laws, customs ancient and modern, transport, battles and ghostly inhabitants.
A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time 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.
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The Little Book of Dublin
by Brendan Nolan
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Dublin is a compendium of fascinating and entertaining truths about the city, past and present.
Funny, fast-paced, and fact-packed, here you will find out about Dublin's trade and industry, saints and sinners, crime and punishment, sports and games, folklore and customs and, of course, its literary heritage. Here lie famous elements of Dublin's history cheek by jowl with little-known facts that could so easily pass unnoticed.
A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and secrets of this ancient and fascinating city
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The Little Book of Scotland
by Geoff Holder
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Scotland is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information, which no one will want to be without. Discover the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts.
Geoff Holder's latest book contains historic and contemporary trivia including such gems as the real story of William 'Braveheart' Wallace, which king was murdered in a barn, and where the Second World War Commandos were formed. From Sir Walter Scott to Sir Sean Connery and Queen Victoria to Mary Queens of Scots, this is a remarkably engaging little book, essential reading for visitors and Scots alike.
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The Little Book of Cornwall
by John Kiste
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
A compendium of fascinating information about Cornwall past and present, this book contains a plethora of entertaining facts about the county's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, natural history, literary, artistic and sporting achievements, agriculture, transport, industry and royal visits. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time 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. Did You Know? In British law no officer or agent of the Crown, which includes both Westminster and the Anglican Church, can legally set foot upon Cornish soil without the express and joint permissions of the Duke of Cornwall and Cornwall's Stannary Parliament. Dolly Pentreath (c. 1680–1777), is popularly regarded as the last true speaker of the Cornish language and her last words were reputedly 'Me ne vidn cewsel Sawznek!' ('I don't want to speak English!'). Penzance boasts the county's only officially designated promenade, which extends for just over a mile from the town harbour to Newlyn. Founded in 1860 Warrens Bakery, a family-owned chain based in St Just in Penwith, supplies pasties to Fortnum & Mason. Cornwall's flag is that of St Piran and shows a white cross which represents molten tin oozing out of a black rock which Piran used when building his fireplace.
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The Little Book of Birmingham
by Norman Bartlam
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Birmingham is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the city's most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Norman Bartlam's new book gathers together a myriad of data on Brum. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something you never knew. This is a remarkably engaging little book, and is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.
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The Little Book of England
by Stuart Laycock
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Did you know?
• The first African community to arrive in England was stationed at Aballava on Hadrian's Wall to keep out the Picts.
• Admiral Robert FitzRoy, creator of the Met Office, was so upset by criticism of his weather forecasts that he shot himself.
• While studying at Cambridge, Charles Darwin formed the 'Glutton Club' for the purpose of eating unusual animals.
• Ada Lovelace wrote a computer code in the nineteenth century, before a working computer had even been invented.
• Maids of Honour at Henry VIII's court were given eight pints of ale per day and his army mutinied in Spain when the ale ran out.
A little book about a BIG subject. England's not huge in land mass, but there is a lot to say about this little country. Yes, we'll be touching on the obvious bits – Shakespeare, 1966, disappointing weather, etc., but we'll also be going in search of what's under the surface of English history, society and culture.
What is it that makes England England? People all over the world think they know the answer to that: the King or Queen, awkward politeness, Beefeaters and losing in penalties in international football. But we English know that we're a bit more complicated than such stereotypes. Or are we? Let's find out.
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The Little Book of Kent
by Alexander Tulloch
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Kent is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historic trivia).Alex Tulloch's new book gathers together a myriad of data on Kent. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. This is an ideal book to have by your bedside or to while away the hours on a long train journey. And if you like to take part in pub quizzes (or set them) then you will find this book a veritable treasure trove of useful information as well as just fascinating trivia. Who knew, for instance, that Laurel and Hardy cut the ribbon when the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch narrow gauge railway was reopened after the war?
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The Little Book of Ghosts
by Paul Adams
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
This little gem of a book is a repository of intriguing, fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts and trivia about ghosts and all things that go bump in the night. Within this volume are such chapters as haunted houses, roads, woods and byways, phantom animals, royal ghosts, poltergeists and haunted objects, while not forgotten are spooky séances and time-slip ghosts, as well as some of the famous ghost-hunters themselves, including Harry Price, Elliot O'Donnell and R. Thurston Hopkins. Anyone curious enough to pick up this book will be terrified and enthralled and never short of some frivolous fact to enhance a conversation or quiz! The Little Book of Ghosts is the perfect introduction to the mysterious realm of ghosts and haunted places. Step inside, if you dare...
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The Little Book of Liverpool
by Alexander Tulloch
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
The Little Book of Liverpool is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Alex Tulloch's new book gathers together a myriad of data on this historic city. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something you never knew. For instance, did you know that the clock on the Liver Buildings was started at the precise moment that King George V was crowned on 22 June 1911? Thought not. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.
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The Little Book of the 1960s
by Dee Gordon
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Based on quirky facts and fascinating data, with a discerning eye on the bizarre, the frivolous and the funny, The Little Book of the 1960s is nostalgia with a difference. The sights, the sounds, the lifestyle, the whole 1960s experience can be relived through the pages of this book, but be warned – you'll need a sense of humour. It's a book that can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the fashions, the scandals and the enduring fascination of a decade that was truly the most colourful of all. Did You Know? When the Beatles played at the Birkenhead YMCA in 1962 for just £30 (the same year Decca famously turned them down because 'groups with guitars were on their way out'), they were booed off stage. When Barbara Windsor and the cast of Sparrers Can't Sing were filming in the East End in the early 1960s, the Krays were hired to provide security on the set. When Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in May 1960, she became the first royal to marry a commoner for 450 years.
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The Little Book of Devon
by John Kiste
Part of the Little Book of (History Press) series
Do you know? Which MP was the first woman to take her seat in parliament? Who was the man they could not hang? Which member of the Beatles lost his temper at a famous Devon landmark? A compendium of fascinating information about Devon past and present, this book contains a plethora of entertaining facts about the county's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, natural history, literary, artistic and sporting achievements, agriculture, transport, industry, and royal visits. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time 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.
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