Derek Tait

Growing up as a child in Singapore and Malaya in the 1960s was an idyllic experience. Thousands of children of naval personnel will have the same fond memories of the time spent there, as Derek has. Who could forget the constant hot weather or the strange smells that you only seemed to find in the Far East? Who could forget the heavy monsoon rains, chit-chats or Tiger Balm Gardens? Other memories will include the markets, hawkers, amahs and snake charmers. Shopping was an experience in itself. Bartering was a way of life and anyone who lived there at the time would remember CK Tang's and Change Alley. Only going to school till 1.00 p.m. because of the heat and spending the rest of the day on boat trips or at the beach was wonderful, as were all the fantastic toys that were available at the time. This book will remind people of those far off sunny days of childhood, and will bring back many happy memories to those who shared in the experience.

This fascinating collection of over 200 archive photographs and postcards - many not seen before - illustrates the history of Plymouth from the late 1800s to the early 1950s, including the early days of horse-drawn trams and early automobiles through to the blitz of 1941 and the reconstruction of the city in 1947. Never short of entertainment, Plymouth has been visited by a wealth of celebrities including Laurel and Hardy, Harry Houdini, Buffalo Bill and Lillie Langtry. Some older residents of the city will have heard tales of Houdini's jump in chains from Ha'penny Bridge at Stonehouse and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the early 1900s. There are also nostalgic glimpses of the city's grand old theatres and of Plymouth Hoe, its former pier, and the many shows that took place there. Others will remember the summer dances, roller skating and Sunday concerts given by the Royal Marines Band. Plymouth has seen vast changes over the years and this book features many images of a pre-war Plymouth now long gone. Detailed and informative, this book is sure to bring back memories to be enjoyed by all who know and love this city.

The Rame Peninsula is a beautiful part of Cornwall. Known as 'The Forgotten Corner' it stretches from Torpoint to Cremyll and includes the villages of Kingsand, Cawsand, Millbrook, St John, Sheviock, Antony and Crafthole together with the sandy beaches of Whitsand Bay. Also included is the Mount Edgcumbe Estate with its many follies, wonderful gardens and stunning views. There have been many changes to the surrounding villages including new buildings, transport and fashions. From the days when people would row over from Stonehouse in Plymouth with picnics, to enjoy in the park or on the beaches of Cawsand and Kingsand, to more recent days of cars, buses and holiday homes. This book will appeal to the many people who I'm sure enjoy the beauty and history of the Rame Peninsula as much as I do.

Saltash has seen many changes over the years. The waterside area beside the River Tamar has been occupied for over a thousand years and was the home to fishermen plying their trade for much of that time. A ferry ran between Plymouth and Saltash for over 600 years before coming to an end when the Tamar Bridge was opened to traffic in 1961. Modern redevelopment also led to the clearance of many older buildings, changing the look of the area forever. A number of industries have also disappeared including quarrying, ship building and fishing. Gone too are the limekilns as well as the gasworks and the brass and iron foundries. The numerous tea gardens, the coal merchants and, of course, the ferry are now just things of the past. A hundred years ago, the water's edge was alive with activity. Fishing boats regularly called into Saltash and many barges took produce up and down the river.

This fascinating selection of more than 180 photographs traces some of the many ways in which Plymouth has changed and developed over the last century.

During the Second World War, Plymouth suffered some of the worst Blitz damage in the country. Bustling streets such as Bedford Street, George Street and Old Town Street were totally destroyed, while popular stores including Dingles, Pophams, Boots and Woolworths were reduced to rubble. Casualties were high, yet the people of Plymouth kept their spirits up with concerts and regular dances held on the Hoe. Illustrated with over 220 archive photographs and documents, "Plymouth at War" offers a unique record of the wartime history of Plymouth. This volume documents aspects of everyday life during this time, from the destruction of homes by enemy bombing and air-raid casualties, to the trials of rationing and evacuation, and recalls the people who lived in and defended the city during those dangerous years.