A History of Hampshire (Darwen county histories)

London & Chichester UK: Phillimore. Very Good/Very Good. 1978. Hard Cover. Sm 4to 0850332540 Dust jacket complete, unclipped. Original cloth boards with bright gilt titling on spine. No ownership marks. Illustrated with line drawings and photographs. Maps. Plates some in colour. 128 pages clean and tight. First published in 1963, A History of Hampshire rapidly established itself as the standard basic book on its subject and has now introduced a generation of local historians to the story of the County and of the Isle of Wight. Throughout 15 years it has remained unchallenged in popularity, with demand steadily increasing as more residents and visitors became interested in the making of the environment and in the past of the area, both urban and rural. The author, a distinguished historian and an active participant in Hampshire affairs, has for several years been engaged not merely in revising, but in re-writing the book in the light of new discoveries and interpretations and of comments on the first edition. The opportunity has been taken considerably to enlarge and expand the work, both in respect of its text and its many illustrations, so that the new edition offered here is, in effect, a new book. Twice as big as its predecessor, with over 100 new pictures, it has the advantage of a decade and a half of experience behind it-though new, it is a thoroughbred with a proven pedigree. Concerned with historical Hampshire, as it existed for over 1 000 years until the local government changes of 1974, the book deals with the development of Bournemouth as a Hampshire holiday resort and it includes the self-governing Isle of Wight and the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth. Its fuller treatment and much enhanced visual appeal will ensure even greater success for this new edition than for its predecessor. Now the most attractive book on Hampshire in print, it is also better value for money, and will be the obvious first choice for local readers-or their man\, visitors-with an interest in the County. .