This beautifully illustrated Pitkin guide looks beneath the glittering surface of the Henry VIII’s court, peeping behind the scenes of Court splendour at everyday life and at every level of the royal household. A must for every resident and visitor to the UK.

We see the Green Man half-hidden on the walls of many of our old churches, a face surrounded by leaves. This beautifully illustrated and well-researched Pitkin Guide looks at this fascinating creature, its history, and where to find him.

Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Dramatic incidents such as the Great Fire of London, the Black Death and the Gunpowder Plot have always captured the imagination. Equally fascinating are the causes and long-term effects on the lives of ordinary people caught up in the consequences of extraordinary events. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

The evacuation of Britain’s urban children to the countryside was a uniquely emotional decision by the British government during the Second World War.

The Pitkin Guide to Evacuees tells the colourful story of this mass exodus. As well as providing a clear narrative of how evacuation policy unfolded during the war, it also gives a deep insight into the experience of those who were evacuated. The personal stories vary greatly. The guide delves into many other elements of the evacuation experience: the practical challenges of housing thousands of displaced children in small villages and towns; the behavioural issues; the effect on the school system; how mothers coped with being separated from their children. Enhanced by superb photographic imagery, here is a complete and accessible reference guide to the mass evacuation of Britain’s children.

The English Civil War was a great convulsion of political and military violence, which quickly spread to Scotland, Ireland and Wales. This attractive Pitkin Guide looks at the war, how it came about and progressed, its battles, the opposing sides and notable figures in them, and the outcome. A must for all visitors to the UK, and lovers of history. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

The ancient city of Chester has attracted visitors since Roman days – and still does. Its medieval walls, Victorian streets, Civil War sites and the famous Rows all give a sense of history and peace. This Pitkin Guide is a must for visitors and residents alike. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, including other titles in our popular City Guides series.

Capability Brown was a man made for his time. Read about his life and work in this absorbing biography.

In this stunning guide, now translated into Japanese, which includes many of Beatrix’s own charming illustrations – loved by children and adults alike – we introduce readers to the world of this remarkable author, including: her childhood and early influences; how and where she developed her drawing skills; the inspirations for her famous characters; how her first publication came about; her relationship with family and friends; love and loss; her passion for the Lake District; her life as a farmer; her happy marriage – and her support of the National Trust, to whom she bequeathed many of her properties. Includes details of places to visit.

How is the world of Alice in Wonderland linked to that of the young girl who was the inspiration for this much-loved story?
The words written by Charles Dodgson (whose pen-name was Lewis Carroll), an Oxford don, were based on college life, word-play and, above all, his friendship with the Liddell children – Alice and her sisters, Lorina and Edith. The Dormouse was referring to Lorina Charlotte (LC), Lacie is an anagram of Alice and Tillie was Edith’s nickname.

This charming little gift book links the lives of the real Alice, the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and her friend, the supreme story-teller Charles Dodgson. Amongst other intrigues, the book explains the significance of the Dodo, the old turtle who ‘taught us’, and the treacle well, all interspersed with quotations from both Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.

This comparative volume looks at the contrasts between the industrial past of Lymington as a salt town, its ship building and local fishing industry, and the changes up to the present day. The important role of the River Solent is examined, and also surrounding areas. This book not only provides a guide to the industrial past but also a record of the everyday, shops, businesses, and residents at work and play.

In the 1800s Hoylake was a summer retreat for upper-class gentlemen staying in the latest fashionable hotels, bowling, horse racing and ‘taking the waters’, while for locals it was a busy fishing village. However, by the 1900s Hoylake had become a bustling coastal resort for people of all classes, offering seaside entertainment, shopping parades, public houses and bed and breakfast establishments.
  So what changed? In 1866 the railway arrived, making commuting feasible, and workers were also receiving paid holiday for the first time. The growth this caused, the new hustle and bustle and also the older, slower ways were captured by a new breed of Victorian photographic pioneers — and what a wonderful job they did! In ninety stunning full colour photographs, Hoylake Then & Now illustrates these changes, and the accompanying captions provide a real insight into the town’s past.

The town and borough of Christchurch boast a beautiful coastline and idyllic countryside, which make it a popular location for holidaymakers. Its spectacular natural harbour, two castles, medieval bridge and National Park all contribute to its outstanding beauty.

Christchurch Then & Now compares fascinating old photographs of the area with modern images of the same scenes. The results are often absorbing, sometimes surprising, and undoubtedly fascinating to anyone with an interest in Christchurch.