 | A Dorset Country Calendar by Andy Case ***Available from early-January 2012*** Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Lesser Known Weymouth by Julie Musk Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Portland Pirates by Carol Hunt The third book in The Portland Chronicles series. A pirate ship is lost in time off the coast of Portland. Captain Red Pete, a cabin boy and smuggler Flintlock Groves arrive with the ghost ship, each with secret plans of their own. When Isabel befriends the lost cabin boy, she discovers that the sinister Portland mermaid is involved. With her sister Suzie running a cat rescue service and her home full of local climbers, Isabel sets out to unravel the mystery of the ghostly ship and its crew in this new Portland adventure. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Secret Places of West Dorset By Louise Hodgson This intriguing book highlights some of West Dorset’s most beautiful and untouched places. It provides ideas for easy day visits and offers an insightful view of the rare beauty of this part of the county. An intimate guide, it reveals many places that are rarely frequented, and the clear directions and suggested walks allow you to explore for yourself and make your own further discoveries. Following secluded lanes and ancient tracks, you will visit tucked-away churches, curious sarsen stones, prehistoric sites, nature reserves and timeless villages. Mingle with ghosts and Black Dogs along the haunted byways and forgotten places, and discover local history, characters and folklore. Louise Hodgson shares her discoveries and reveals some extraordinarily special places. With an easy to read, poetic style, you are encouraged to challenge preconceptions. Adopting a philosophical approach she draws knowledgeable parallels with other parts of Britain; this leads to a richer insight and deeper understanding of the Dorset landscape and how we relate to it. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Defenders of Mai-dun - A Story of the Roman Assault on Maiden Castle By David Macpherson Defenders of Mai-dun is a novel about the invasion of Dorset by Vespasian and the Second Legion in the first century AD. The story follows the fortunes of a young orphan boy called Conn who lives on Maiden Castle and an inexperienced Tribune in the Roman army called Julius. As Vespasian’s soldiers sweep through the land of the Durotriges, Julius and Conn’s lives are intertwined with a compelling inevitability. Historical and archaeological evidence is woven into the story, giving a sense of realism. The adventure concludes with the destruction of the Celtic settlement on Maiden Castle and the establishment of the Roman settlement at Dorchester (Durnovaria). David is a retired history and Head teacher and has published many articles on local history. Defenders of Mai-dun, his first novel, was inspired by frequent visits to Maiden Castle to walk his dog and to the Dorset County Museum. He now works as a youth magistrate in Dorchester and is writing more novels set in the county. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Enchantment of the Black Dog By Carol Hunt Second installment in the The Portland Chronicles series. In Book 2, Isabel unravels the mystery of the legendary Black Dog of Portland. She travels across time to the Ice Age island of the snow wolves, and then into the heart of the Civil War on Portland in 1642. Isabel is joined by a local surfer called Ryder, a friendly Southwell fairy and a scruffy but loveable sheepdog called Gregor. Can she finally save the Black Dog from the sinister mermaid and discover his true identity? Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Discover Old Swanage by David Haysom (Hon. Curator, Swanage Museum) A new way of exploring old Swanage … Discover Old Swanage is the long-awaited follow-up to Swanage and Purbeck in Old Photographs by David Haysom and David Bragg. It brings together much previously unseen material, and contains over 350 photographs and advertisements, plus extracts from the town’s 1926 Ordnance Survey map, to provide an intriguing look at Swanage’s development, social history and community. David Haysom is a lifelong Swanage resident and well-known local historian. Honorary Curator of the Swanage Museum (formerly the Tithe Barn Museum) since 1988, he regularly shares his knowledge of the town on free guided walks. Who better to reveal old Swanage? Drawing from his own collection, other personal collections and the Museum archives, David provides a unique and personal look at Swanage using images from the late 1800s through to the 1980s. The book is laid out in seven easy-to-follow (on foot or from your armchair) sections, with route maps to help you find your way. David’s meticulously researched commentary brings each image to life. A delightful trip down memory lane and an absolute must for those who wish to gain an insight into how Swanage has changed and developed. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | The Portland Sea Dragon by Carol Hunt A dragon, a witch and a 12-year-old’s time-travelling adventure When the dragon is accused of murder after the unexplained disappearance of Sally Lucke in 1616, only Isabel can solve the mystery. So she sets out on a time-travelling adventure. Along the way, her cool friend Ben, annoying little sister Susie, and Gregor, a scruffy collie dog with attitude, both help and hinder Isabel’s search. Will she escape the smuggler Joseph Groves? Can she evade the devious mermaid in Deadman's Bay? Can she unravel the truth and free the lonely dragon? And, in the end, does the mermaid claim her frightening prize? Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | The Spirit of Portland: Revelations of a Sacred Isle Portland’s history, place-names and traditions reveal that long ago there was a high concentration of stone circles, standing stones, barrows and places associated with the Druids and early Christians. Living in relative isolation, with their own laws, the early Portlanders remained separate from the cultural influences, politics and religions of mainland Britain and only married within the island families. Right up until the early 20th century, the old islanders would teach their children the ancient history of Portland as handed down by their grandparents. Very few published books touch upon Portland’s sacred nature. This book reveals some of the island’s hidden mysteries, myths, legends, natural features and sacred geometry. Gary is an experienced traveller, has studied early cultures around the world and been intrigued by Portland for nigh on a decade. The book breaks new ground by combining a fascinating look at Portland’s archaeology, oral traditions, folklore and the old families, with a more intuitive approach to research. Included are several walking tours for those interested in exploring the island’s sacred places. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Lesser Known Swanage Swanage still has that old-fashioned charm that Enid Blyton and Thomas Hardy wrote about, which gives it a different feel to neighbouring seaside resorts. Originally little more than a fishing village, cut off by the sea and out on a limb, it blossomed through the 1800s and 1900s with the stone trade and later holiday-makers. Now in the 21st century, what has Swanage got to offer visitors? What hidden gems will even locals find surprising and inspiring? This book brings Swanage alive and gives a real sense of place and time. As you begin to appreciate the history that has gone into building Swanage, the people and industry involved, you will see there is more to the town than meets the eye. Even families and young people will find Lesser Known Swanage intriguing and fun to take out and explore. Real, living people describe what it is that makes their town special and worth visiting. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | Roaring Dorset! Encounters with Big Cats By Merrily Harpur Are big cats roaming Dorset? Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |
 | A Slice of Apple Pie: Your One-Stop Guide to Living in America By Julie Musk
By
giving you the lowdown on what to expect and how to deal with it, this
thoughtful yet lighthearted book will help you get the most out of your
move or visit to the USA. Combining practical information, anecdotes,
history, geography, psychology and much more besides, in one
entertaining read, A Slice of Apple Pie is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about life in America. Please CLICK HERE for more information about the book and author |