Books on Coventry

Another free book to view, the Churches of Coventry, with some good illustrations and a few photo's. Coventry Churches

As per the recommendation on another thread (Coventry from the air), I have bought a copy of "Master & Artisan in Victorian England" and what an excellent book it is. In two parts, the first section is the diary William Andrews which he kept for just a few years until he set up in business on his own. What surprised me was the way in the early 1860's he took himself off to France and Switzerland looking for work when the ribbon weaving trade fell on hard times in Coventry. I have now just started on the second section. This is an autobiography by Joseph Gutteridge who stayed as an artisan all his working life. The first few chapters about his early life growing up in Coventry are fascinating. He could remember when Hillfields were just fields and primroses actually grew on Primrose Hill. To call him just an artisan does him a disservice. He was a highly educated man, with interests ranging from astronomy, botany and ornithology as well as being a craftsman and skilled mechanic. As I mentioned on the other thread, several copies of this book are available for under a pound, plus postage, from ABE books.

Glad you are enjoying the book. We paid a lot more than a pound, but well worth it.

Thanks, I have just purchased one from abe, under £4 with the postage

If you have a Kindle or a similar device you should be able to download the "Coventry Churches" book for free from Project Gutenberg.

Thanks for that tip, when you open up the Coventry Churches book, the first, clear photo of 'The Three Spires' is a good one and an unusual shot of the buildings don't you think?

The Coventry Telegraph has reported on this new publication called "A Coventry Kid" Should make an interesting read

Slightly out of Coventry so hope no one minds, but just in time for Christmas. Went to a book launch in Stoneleigh Church last night (hard pews, still recovering) about a member of the Leigh family, Cordelia Leigh. She was a great friend of all the estate workers who went off to fight in the Great War and kept an in-depth diary recording the happenings of that terrible time. The book 'A Strange Time' looks at the diaries and scrap books kept by Cordelia and has been compiled by Sheila Woolf (ex teacher from Henry VIII) and Chris Holland, both of whom are quite well known in local history circles. Nicely put together book and worth having on the book shelf.

Hi Heritage & thank you for your post. Our Historical Coventry Forum, is not limited by our city boundary. If it was, half of the posts on here would be off limits. What we try to ensure is that our site is not hi-jacked by anyone or group, where Coventry has no significance. I have ancestors buried at Stoneleigh, as well as living relatives in Cornwall & Scotland, which may from time to time have a relevance to a Coventry topic. Our founder has roots in Northamptonshire which may become part of a topic being discussed. This gem of info only came to light when I was describing one of my days out that way. We love to read your posts Heritage. You provide good info, which always adds depth & understanding to our site. Thank you.

My pleasure.

I have seen a book called..'Coventry in Camera', John H Drew, I wondered whether anyone could recommend it. I have also seen John Ashby's,'The Character of Coventry', (the brilliant Pub reference one), I own one but there's one on the Bay at the moment. In fact there are quite a few good bargains on at the moment on there.

I'd be wary of that particular book second hand Foxcote. Despite having taken very good care of my own copy the spine eventually cracked and pages now fall out. The early editions are also now glaringly in need of an update so I would wait for a reprint. Many of these books come back into print at this time of year as they make excellent Xmas presents for people of a certain age.

My 'Character of Coventry' is slipping pages as well Great anecdotes and reference book, I'm always dipping in to it. I must get my interest in it due to my certain age I am dead jealous cos I don't know how you got the Santa's Hat on

Just over a year ago I posted this : "As Christmas approaches, no doubt many are like me . . . really look forward to receiving a book token or a book on one of their favourite subjects There are many good books out there about Coventry, with hundreds of photographs and lots of information to enjoy . . . Just a word of warning - avoid at all costs one called "Coventry through time" - have a look at these reviews on Amazon if you need to be convinced I make no apologies for repeating this warning to all you good folk out here

Father Christmas got me this one for being a good boy.... Nostalgic Memories of Coventry ... and jolly good it is too! Theres a particularly good shot of Broadgate post-blitz from probably the Cathedral showing the early development of The Precinct opening off Broadgate but with still visible ruins of Smithford Street down towards Fleet Street. What interests me is that line the pedestrianised Precinct takes - a more north-easterly diagonal route than the original Smithford Street road layout......