Book Review – Littlebury; a parish history

Sanders, Lizzie & Williamson, Gillian (editors), Littlebury; a parish history, (The History Group of the Parish of Littlebury Millenniun Society, 2005). 288 pp. £14.95

This local history includes Littlebury and the neighbouring hamlets of Littlebury Green and Catmere End, and parts of Audley End. It is a collection of around 95 illustrated short essays from contributors on historical topics within the parish, places, people and events. The essays, written by local contributors, follow a chronology spanning pre-history to the present. These are the bare bones

But this book is hugely more. The impact of the book is immediate, served as soon as the first pages are turned. The illustrations are plentiful, in colour whenever possible, and always chosen with purpose. Even white space has been used to give pages a breathing space, busy yet uncluttered. This is not a book to routinely source old postcards; instead the selection is always interesting and various; for example, from Monamy's beautiful 'First Eddystone Lighthouse' and Henry Winstanley to the photo' of a sliding sash window. Two columns are used throughout; subject text is contained within a main column, allowing notes and images to be added in a marginal column and the presentation is striking. The text is scholarly and well referenced, and the essays have been blended into an almost seamless whole. This is a book that measures well against the very best productions.

Still, this book is even more. It represents the spirit of the Littlebury. It is a magnificent witness to the efforts of numerous local people, archivists and historians. It is inappropriate to mention individuals, their efforts are clear, best just to repeat the book's modest, unassuming opening words: "The book is the result of many people coming together, using their varying skills and dipping into their most precious possession - time." If you ever buy a parish local history choose this one! [Rob Brooks]