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The Isle of Wight Revisited
By Colin Fairweather and Alan Stroud
£19.95
The Oakwood Press
ISBN 0-85361-642-6
SUBTITLED 'A collection of photographs produced from the original glass plate negatives', this coffee-table book features photographs mostly taken around 100 years ago, though some date from the 1890s and a few are from the 1920s. All were taken on glass negatives and, apart from a handful, have not been seen since the day they were first printed. Many were originally taken to be produced in small runs as postcards for the burgeoning tourist trade of the day, though some were simply family mementoes or holiday snapshots.
Coastguards of the Isle of Wight
1809 - present day
By Tony Gale
£9.95
Coach House Publications Ltd
ISBN 1-899-392-416
THE waters around the Isle of Wight in the 18th and 19th centuries were full of boats, some lawfully plying their trade but many owned by "free traders" intent on landing their smuggled goods ashore. This book tells the story of the Island's coastguard stations, from the formation of the service in 1822 to its rundown in the early 1900s. Many of the former stations can still be seen to this day and Tony Gale gives a fascinating insight into the daily lives of the heroic coastguard officers who manned them.
Red Squirrels on the Isle of Wight
By Helen Butler
£5.95
THE author has been working voluntarily for red squirrels on the Island since 1991, running the independent red squirrel charity, Wight Squirrel Project. A large part of the work is giving advice, monitoring and raising public awareness of the red squirrel's plight. This book is aimed at those who would like to gain a better understanding of the red squirrels' lives and the problems they face, not least from the invasion of the UK by the American grey squirrel. It is designed to appeal to most age groups and levels of understanding.
Isle of Wight Here We Come
By Hugh J. Compton
£6.95
The Oakwood Press
ISBN 0-85361-506-3
SUBTITLED 'The Story of the Southern Railway's Isle of Wight Ships During the War 1939-45'. Countless people enjoyed crossing to and from the Island under a sunny sky with a light breeze blowing on one of those delightful little ships owned by the Southern Railway. But on September 3, 1939, the picture changed when the government assumed control of the railways under wartime defence regulations. Later, galant little ships that had plied the Island crossing were involved in the dramatic evacuation of Dunkirk and ensured a heroic role in maritime history.
A History of
Ventnor Cricket Club
Over 150 Not Out!
by Jim Edmonds
£4.95
FORMER club president Barbara Rogers writes in a foreword: "At Steephill, we have been blessed this last 150 years with a ground unique, not only in its loveliness, but in its shape, resembling as it does a bowl or amphitheatre, where generations of folk have been able to watch this fascinating game of cricket with its first-class bowlers and batsmen." This is the story of the club, which has survived two world wars, and its many characters.
The Story of Nelson's Portsmouth
By Jane Smith
£19.99
Halsgrove
ISBN 1-84114-476-2
WITH a foreword by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West, this book tells a familiar tale in a fresh way. Using plentiful extracts from Nelson's copious letters covering 23 years of his life from his time as a young captain in 1782 to the height of his career as admiral and national hero in 1805, this book reveals in intimate detail - and with the aid of more than 200 illustrations - the hustle and bustle, sights, sounds and smells of the greatest naval port in the world, the town from which the great admiral embarked on his final voyage.
Battle of Trafalgar Limited-edition commemorative postcard 80p TO mark the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which was won by Admiral Nelson and the English fleet on October 21, 1805, a limited edition of 2,000 individually numbered copies of this postcard has been produced by the Isle of Wight Postcard Club.
Diamond Coast
by Ian Williams
£8.95
The Dovecote Press
ISBN 1 904349 15 3
In shape and character, the Isle of Wight is much like a rough diamond. Its 65 miles of coastline have more stories to tell than anywhere else in Britain. Shipbuilders, smugglers, lighthouse keepers, Victorian developers, yachting millionaries — all have played their part in forging the history of the Island's coast. So has the Island's defensive importance in times of war and a geological past going back to the age of the dinosaurs. Its coastal resorts have their origins in a taste for sea bathing, paddle-steamers, piers, and a concern for health. Yet much of the coast is still unspoilt and down-to-earth — a world of salt marsh, creeks and chines, and a way of life and traditional skills that still endure today. Includes suggested walks and useful addresses.
Southern Vectis 1929-2004
by Richard Newman
£16
Colourpoint
ISBN 1 904242 24 3
2004 sees Southern Vectis celebrating 75 years of service to the Isle of Wight, its residents and many visitors. This book records the significant events of those 75 years and, through his exhaustive research, Richard Newman has produced a detailed, well-illustrated history of the company through from its formation in August 1929 to the present day. As well as information on the buses operated and services run Richard hasn't forgotten about the people who make it all happen — the managers, engineering staff, inspectors, drivers and conductors — and has included many photographs, some dating back to the 1930s.
An Artist in Residence Watercolour paintings of the Isle of Wight
by Muriel Owen
£4.95
Isle of Wight County Press Ltd I
SBN 1 870947 95 9
Muriel Owen is a leading watercolour painter living on the Island whose distinguished list of credits includes the purchase by English Heritage of 28 paintings permanently on display at Yarmouth Castle. She was head of the art department at the London Tutorial and has, for many years, been a prominent member of the Society of Women Artists. Many fine Island views and moments are captured in the wealth of works included in this book, which has an introduction by Eats, Shoots and Leaves author Lynne Truss.
The Fishbourne Car Ferry Wight Connection by John Faulkner
£16
Colourpoint
ISBN 1 904242 30 8
March 15, 1926, saw the opening of a new six-mile car ferry service between Portsmouth and the tiny village of Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. This book looks at the history of the Fishbourne car ferry and speculates on whay may lie ahead. The book is intended to be of general interest as well as providing something for shipping enthusiasts and local historians. Also included is some interesting technical data on the ships along with recollections of men who worked them.
Most Haunted Island By Gay Baldwin
£8.95
ISBN 0-9520062-9-4
MORE new chilling tales in this sixth book of the series focusing on eerie encounters on Ghost Island. Royal ghosts at Osborne House, phantom Roman soldiers at Brading and restless spirits at J. Samuel White's old shipyards are detailed for the first time, alongside a haunted brewery with its own Wight Spirit ale, the strange and spooky West Wight ghost pub that vanished without a trace, plus pictures of a ghost caught on camera at a lonely lighthouse and the Island's most haunted place, the long-lost ancient mansion of Knighton Gorges.
Martin Simpson's Absolutely Essential Guide to the Isle of Wight
by Martin Simpson
£3.50
For tourists, visitors, holidaymakers, grockles, day-trippers, weekenders, short-breakers, regulars, foreigners, families, empty-nesters, couples, singles, wrinklies, schoolteachers, walkers, motorists, bikers, boaters, cyclists, sun-seekers, beachcombers, sightseers, sailors, recluses, dogs, etc, etc...' A general guide written in an amusing and distinctive style by someone with a passion for the Island who is familiar with its natural wonders, as well as its more unusual places and hidden treasures. Everything you wanted to know (and some things you didn't) about the Island.
Time And Tide
by Lynn New
£6.50
Colour-Create Publishing
ISBN 0 9550 493 0 X
EXPLORATION in verse of a maritime community, authenticated by historical fact and highlighted with detailed text as further explanation. The book is lavishly illustrated with pen-and-ink sketches, many finely detailed, along with photographs, the more recent taken by the author. Based around the area of Spithead Anchorage, which includes Island waters, the book will have a unique appeal to all who feel close to our maritime roots and appreciate history.
Ryde by Steam Volume 1
Andrew Britton
£15.99
Medina Books
ISBN 0-9548507-0-X
TO Islanders, visitors and railway enthusiasts, the IW railways during the pre-1967 steam era held a deep fascination. In latter days the railway system was centred on Ryde with two lines diverging at Smallbrook Junction to Ventnor and Cowes. No matter where one started a railway journey, it was like stepping out on an adventure in a magical theatre, with unbelievable scenery, unforgettable Victorian locos and rolling stock and welcoming railway staff. Once experienced, one was forever under the enchantment of the Island railways, resulting in a deep lifetime love. The first colourful volume of a series.
Return to Ryde by Steam Volume 2
Andrew Britton
£18.99
Medina Books
ISBN 0-9548507-1-8
COMMEMORATING the 40th anniversary of the final full year of railway operation of the Ryde-Newport-Cowes and Ryde-Sandown-Shanklin-Ventnor lines, the royalties from the photographers' reproduction fees will be donated to the overhaul of 24 Calbourne at the IW Steam Railway. A high-quality full-colour picture album follow-up to the popular first volume.
The Piers, Tramways and Railways at Ryde
R. J. Maycock and R. Silsbury
£16.95
The Oakwood Press
ISBN 0-85361-636-1
THE emergence of Ryde as the principal point of entry to the Island was due in no small part to the opening of Britain's first-ever pier by the Ryde Pier Company in 1814. Pre-dating the arrival of the Island railways by upwards of 50 years, the pier was extended several times before reaching its final half-mile length in the 1840s. A horse tramway was opened on the pier in 1864. The Ryde Pier Company was a pioneer in trying different methods of traction developed, not for the benefit of railways but for Britain's street tramways.
Steaming Through the Isle of Wight
By Peter Hay
£14.95
Middleton Press
ISBN 0-906520-56-8
THE much-loved and unique Island railways dwell in the memories and dreams of so many residents and visitors alike that this new look at the past will be widely welcomed. Mostly unpublished, the photographs are affectionately captioned and will enhance the recollections of those who remember these charming lines or will fascinate those too young to have enjoyed them. Companion volumes from Middleton Press include Branch Lines To Newport and South Coast Railways - Ryde to Ventnor.
The Isle of Wight Railway
By R. J. Maycock and R. Silsbury
£19.95
The Oakwood Press
ISBN 0-85361-544-6
THE first serious attempt to chart the history of the Isle of Wight Railway Company in detail, this book has almost everything. Victorian entrepreneurs tried to build their dream railway only to become embroiled in a financial crisis that almost bankrupted their fledgling company. Accidents, typical of Britain's railways at the time, pepper the history, while the inevitable staff problems and infighting with other railways on the Island added spice to the proceedings. Financial problems during the Great War led to the company's absorption by the Southern Railway in 1923.
The Isle of Wight Central Railway
By R. J. Maycock and R. Silsbury
£22.95 The Oakwood Press
ISBN 0-85361-573-X
THE second volume from these authors who aim, ultimately, to cover the history of all the Island's railways. This is the story of the Island's largest pre-Grouping railway company, the Isle of Wight Central Railway, formed when three companies amalgamated in 1887. The new company combined the Cowes and Newport Railway, opened in 1862, the IW (Newport Junction) Railway, opened in 1875, and the Ryde and Newport Railway, opened from Ryde to a joint station at Newport in 1875.
Isle of Wight Steam Passenger Rolling Stock
By R. J. Maycock and M. J. E. Reed
£11.95
The Oakwood Press
ISBN 0-85361-507-1
THE Isle of Wight Railway patronised only one builder of passenger rolling stock for many years, The Railway Carriage Company at Oldbury, near Birmingham, and made only a few second-hand purchases. In July, 1864, the first of an initial order of 24 carriages arrived by lighter at Ryde and landed at the quay of the IW Ferry Company. They were then hauled through the streets to the station and prepared for the opening of the railway as far as Shanklin on August 23, 1864. And so this story began ...
Isle of Wight Bedside Book
A Collection of Prose and Poetryselected and introduced by Johanna Jones
£7.95
The Dovecote Press
ISBN I 904349 36 6
A celebration of the sights and sounds of the Isle of Wight, its history, people, landscape and character. Extracts are taken from newspapers, family diaries, gravestone epitaphs, parish registers, interviews, advertisements, medieval charters, local directories and archives in the Isle of Wight Record Office. The author writes: "A bedside book should send you happily to sleep or comfort you if awake in the early hours and I hope this pot-pourri of Island life and times will have that effect — and that it will send you to read the sources from which they are taken."