Kirjahaku

In 1926, Tom Rolt who was then sixteen years old, abandoned his public school education. Having taken a job with a small firm of agricultural engineers, he realised that he had found his life’s calling. But the way ahead was neither smooth nor easy. Having secured a premium apprenticeship, the firm which took him on foundered and although he eventually qualified as a mechanical engineer, the 1930s depression made it almost impossible to find regular employment. Nothing daunted, with the encouragement of his mysterious companion ‘Cara’, he turned to writing. His literary career flourished alongside his association with the Vintage Sports Car Club, the Inland Waterways Association and the Talyllyn Railway. Between his Inland Waterways Association and Talyllyn phases, Angela, his first wife, left him to join Billy Smart’s Circus, and Sonia –an actress-turned-boatwoman – would become his second wife. Over the course of his life, he produced over thirty books, their subject matters ranging from canals and railways to engineering biography; company histories; a collection of accomplished ghost stories and a topographical survey of Worcestershire. He also wrote polemics about the plight of the craftsman in a world which relied increasingly upon mass production. In this book, the first full-length biography of Tom Rolt and a complement to his auto-biographical Landscape trilogy, Victoria Owens draws upon his surviving letters and unpublished manuscripts to tell the story of the engineer-turned-writer who made Britain’s industrial past the stuff of enduring literature.

A look at the fascinating history behind some of the most iconic landmarks of the British landscape.

When impoverished aristocrat Lady Charlotte Bertie married wealthy Welsh ironmaster John Guest of Dowlais in 1833, her relatives looked on with dismay. Yet despite their vast difference of background and age, over their nineteen-year long marriage, husband and wife enjoyed great happiness and much adventure. There would be ten children and while John built up an immense commercial empire, Charlotte championed Welsh culture. Crucially, she taught herself John's business from the inside. Over the years, she made the keenest observation of iron production, the fluctuations of the trade and the engineering innovations that touched upon its developments. When John died in 1852, she was therefore uniquely well-placed to succeed him as head of the works - a remarkable position for a Victorian woman. Not only did she endeavour to introduce reforms, but also - rather to her dismay - had to weather a potentially destructive strike. But success came at a price. With her star to all sight in the ascendant, Lady Charlotte suddenly chose to abandon all, leave Wales and marry her sons' tutor. This book traces the ardent, creative years of her first marriage, explores her determination - widowed - to preserve John's legacy, and observes her growing devotion to the scholarly Charles Schreiber.

When impoverished aristocrat Lady Charlotte Bertie married wealthy Welsh ironmaster John Guest of Dowlais in 1833, her relatives looked on with dismay. Yet despite their vast difference of background and age, over their nineteen-year long marriage, husband and wife enjoyed great happiness and much adventure. There would be ten children and while John built up an immense commercial empire, Charlotte championed Welsh culture. Crucially, she taught herself John's business from the inside. Over the years, she made the keenest observation of iron production, the fluctuations of the trade and the engineering innovations that touched upon its developments. When John died in 1852, she was therefore uniquely well-placed to succeed him as head of the works - a remarkable position for a Victorian woman. Not only did she endeavour to introduce reforms, but also - rather to her dismay - had to weather a potentially destructive strike. But success came at a price. With her star to all sight in the ascendant, Lady Charlotte suddenly chose to abandon all, leave Wales and marry her sons' tutor. This book traces the ardent, creative years of her first marriage, explores her determination - widowed - to preserve John's legacy, and observes her growing devotion to the scholarly Charles Schreiber.

In "The Ghost of a Kiss," readers are invited into a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of memories. Through delicate verses, the poet captures fleeting moments, weaving together recollections of tender embraces and whispered secrets that linger in the air like a phantom touch. Each poem is a poignant reflection on the bittersweet longing that arises from relationships once cherished but now faded, casting light on the shadows of the heart. As the pages turn, the reader is drawn deeper into a world where the past dances like a whisper in the night, illuminating the profound impact of a single kiss-its sweetness, its sorrow, and the ghosts it leaves behind. "The Ghost of a Kiss" is not just a collection of poems; it is an invitation to feel, to remember, and to embrace the beauty of love that transcends time, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever lingered on the edge of nostalgia.

In "The Ghost of a Kiss," readers are invited into a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of memories. Through delicate verses, the poet captures fleeting moments, weaving together recollections of tender embraces and whispered secrets that linger in the air like a phantom touch. Each poem is a poignant reflection on the bittersweet longing that arises from relationships once cherished but now faded, casting light on the shadows of the heart. As the pages turn, the reader is drawn deeper into a world where the past dances like a whisper in the night, illuminating the profound impact of a single kiss-its sweetness, its sorrow, and the ghosts it leaves behind. "The Ghost of a Kiss" is not just a collection of poems; it is an invitation to feel, to remember, and to embrace the beauty of love that transcends time, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever lingered on the edge of nostalgia.

"Time's Last Breath" is a profound exploration of the ephemeral nature of existence, where every verse captures the delicate interplay between time and memory. This evocative collection invites readers into a world where moments are cherished, lost, and ultimately transformed into poetic reflections. Each poem delves into themes of nostalgia, loss, and the fleeting beauty of life, weaving together vivid imagery and haunting emotions. The poet's voice resonates with a poignant intimacy, guiding us through the labyrinth of time, revealing both the joy and sorrow that accompany our shared human experience. With its lyrical language and thoughtful insights, "Time's Last Breath" serves as a timeless reminder to embrace each breath, honoring the past while welcoming the unknown future. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone seeking to reflect on the intricate tapestry of time and the enduring spirit of life.

"Time's Last Breath" is a profound exploration of the ephemeral nature of existence, where every verse captures the delicate interplay between time and memory. This evocative collection invites readers into a world where moments are cherished, lost, and ultimately transformed into poetic reflections. Each poem delves into themes of nostalgia, loss, and the fleeting beauty of life, weaving together vivid imagery and haunting emotions. The poet's voice resonates with a poignant intimacy, guiding us through the labyrinth of time, revealing both the joy and sorrow that accompany our shared human experience. With its lyrical language and thoughtful insights, "Time's Last Breath" serves as a timeless reminder to embrace each breath, honoring the past while welcoming the unknown future. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone seeking to reflect on the intricate tapestry of time and the enduring spirit of life.

"Endless Adventures Together" is a captivating collection of poems that takes readers on a journey through the landscapes of love, friendship, and shared experiences. Each verse invites you to explore the beauty of companionship, celebrating the moments that bind us in laughter, joy, and occasionally heartache. This lyrical tapestry weaves together vibrant imagery and heartfelt reflections, capturing the essence of life's myriad adventures. From whimsical escapades to the quiet comforts of togetherness, the poems resonate with the familiar warmth of cherished memories and the promise of new horizons. Join the poet in discovering the boundless joy found in the simplest of moments, as "Endless Adventures Together" illuminates the depths of connection and the magic that arises when we walk hand in hand through life's wondrous journey.

"Endless Adventures Together" is a captivating collection of poems that takes readers on a journey through the landscapes of love, friendship, and shared experiences. Each verse invites you to explore the beauty of companionship, celebrating the moments that bind us in laughter, joy, and occasionally heartache. This lyrical tapestry weaves together vibrant imagery and heartfelt reflections, capturing the essence of life's myriad adventures. From whimsical escapades to the quiet comforts of togetherness, the poems resonate with the familiar warmth of cherished memories and the promise of new horizons. Join the poet in discovering the boundless joy found in the simplest of moments, as "Endless Adventures Together" illuminates the depths of connection and the magic that arises when we walk hand in hand through life's wondrous journey.

In "The Day the Robots Took Over the Universe," embark on an imaginative journey that deftly intertwines whimsy and reflection, comedy and caution. This collection of poems transports readers to a not-so-distant future where machines surpass humanity in both intelligence and creativity. Through playful verse and poignant imagery, the poems explore the echoes of lost emotions and the stark realities of a mechanized existence. Each piece invites you to ponder the intricate relationship between technology and humanity, delving into themes of displacement, identity, and the essence of consciousness. As the lines dance between the absurd and the profoundly human, "The Day the Robots Took Over the Universe" challenges us to rethink what it means to be alive in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. With each turn of the page, prepare to laugh, cry, and ultimately reflect on the curious fate that awaits us all.

In "The Floor Mat Placement Crisis," readers are invited to delve into a whimsical yet poignant exploration of everyday moments that shape our lives. Through a series of interconnected verses, the poet intertwines the mundane task of arranging floor mats with profound reflections on love, belonging, and the chaos of modern existence. Each poem speaks to the delicate balance between comfort and confrontation, prompting us to reconsider the seemingly trivial choices we make. From the cozy corners of home to the broader landscape of human relationships, this collection reveals the beauty that lies in the details, inspiring us to find meaning in the ordinary. With sharp wit and a keen eye for observation, the poet crafts a narrative that resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of their decisions, no matter how small. "The Floor Mat Placement Crisis" is not just a book of poems; it is an invitation to explore the intricate tapestry of our lives, one mat at a time.

In 1926, Tom Rolt who was then sixteen years old, abandoned his public school education. Having taken a job with a small firm of agricultural engineers, he realised that he had found his life’s calling. But the way ahead was neither smooth nor easy. Having secured a premium apprenticeship, the firm which took him on foundered and although he eventually qualified as a mechanical engineer, the 1930s depression made it almost impossible to find regular employment. Nothing daunted, with the encouragement of his mysterious companion ‘Cara’, he turned to writing. His literary career flourished alongside his association with the Vintage Sports Car Club, the Inland Waterways Association and the Talyllyn Railway. Between his Inland Waterways Association and Talyllyn phases, Angela, his first wife, left him to join Billy Smart’s Circus, and Sonia –an actress-turned-boatwoman – would become his second wife. Over the course of his life, he produced over thirty books, their subject matters ranging from canals and railways to engineering biography; company histories; a collection of accomplished ghost stories and a topographical survey of Worcestershire. He also wrote polemics about the plight of the craftsman in a world which relied increasingly upon mass production. In this book, the first full-length biography of Tom Rolt and a complement to his auto-biographical Landscape trilogy, Victoria Owens draws upon his surviving letters and unpublished manuscripts to tell the story of the engineer-turned-writer who made Britain’s industrial past the stuff of enduring literature.