We are blessed in Market Harborough, as we have a Waterstones, an independent bookshop – Quinns, and a couple of excellent second-hand bookshops. As you go through the door of Quinns, there is a rack of Shire Books which will have any right-minded person drooling and cooing at the boggling array of deliciously English subject matter.
Shire Books was set up in 1962, producing low-priced, factual paperbacks on the most astonishing range of subjects which catered for the enthusiasms and niche interests of ordinary people all over the country.
The only problem was, that despite the indisputably interesting content, they began to look really dull and old-fashioned in their layout and with black and white photography and illustrations.
But then in 2007, the owner retired and sold the company to Osprey Publishing. In 2008 a major revamp of its list of titles as well as an overhaul of content and cover designs, was undertaken, resulting in the gorgeous and irresistible collection of books on sale today. Even the paper they’re printed on feels lovely. And they’re still cheap.
I have taken the reckless step of obtaining the current Shire Catalogue and, because I am a dangerous obsessive, I have typed up the list (leaving the catalogue untouched for posterity) so that a) I can remember what I’ve got and b) I can mark the books with which to treat myself each month.
The First Six
My latest purchase is entitled ‘Privies and Water Closets’ (making this a Bog Blog?) and the front cover features a delightful illustration c.1814 by Martinet of Paris, of a large gentleman with a rather strained expression, sitting on a commode. The book contains a beautifully written, lavishly illustrated history and technology of the lavatory, beginning with an interesting explanation of where we get our words for ‘toilet’ from.
I am allowing myself two Shire Books per month and I now have four weeks to agonise about which two to buy next. Shall it be:-
British Family Cars of the 1950s and 60s?
British Pigs?
The Victorian Workhouse?
Old Medical and Dental Instruments?
Fields, Hedges and Ditches?
Women of the First World War? or
Nailmaking? Who wouldn’t want to own a book about nailmaking?
Then again, it’s still February, and March is only a matter of days away…
Oh, I didn’t know they’d done Nailmaking. I think I’ll have to have that one. I’m already a fan of many of these books including Privies, the various ones on tiles and architectural ceramics, and Wattle and Daub, which is worth it for the author’s name alone: Paula Sunshine.
Do they do BOGOFs ?
I don’t think I’ve ever read a Shire book, shocking. I like the look of the 1940s Home.
I made your coconut ice today although rather carelessly. Tasty none the less. Shall blog it later.
If that was my choice, I’d go for ‘British Family Cars of the 1950s and 60s’ and ‘Fields, Hedges and Ditches’. I haven’t brought a Shire Book for years, I think the last one was about Roman pottery. Co-incidentally, my colleague has just had his book about bandstands published by Shire Books.
Women of the First World War, definitely. Not that I’m biased or anything, being a FANY (from bogs to FANYs…….I know, I know!)
I hadn’t realised that Shire Books had completely overhauled their publications. I’m going to hold you entirely responsible for the consequent damage to my credit card……..
I’ve never heard of Shire books before, but they sound wonderful! I wonder how much they are, and what they’d charge to ship one across the pond? That 1940s Home book looks as though it belongs on my bookshelf!
Jackie
http://windsor–rose.blogspot.com
Oh dear, I think I told a little white lie. I just checked out the Shire website and one of the Victorian book covers looks familiar. I think I may have picked it up on one of my visits home. What an amazing collection of books they have! Now I’ve gone and ordered two of them … oh my poor credit card!
Defo ‘British Pigs’…
Funnily enough, Sue, they do. I logged onto the website myself this afternoon and they do have ‘deals’ if you register. Glad you liked the sweeties.
I’ve seen it, VK, it’s gorgeous!
Nonsense, Jackie, think of all that information and pleasure for just a few pounds (dollars). Bargain I’d say. I like your blog by the way.
Darlings, darlings, you’re all giving me different advice! The minute I get three incitements to the same book, I’ll buy that one. This is where Shires get their publications department to bombard me with suggestions…..
Oh yes, British Pigs. You should get British Pigs.
Just saying “British Pigs” twice, doesn’t bring it to three, Planetcoops. It has to be three unique incitements. It’s a lovely book though – I rea;lly like pigs.
Have a look at The Quince Tree’s most recent article. She has some scrumptious pictures of Gloucester Old Spots.
I really like bacon…get the ‘Pigs’ book!
That’s just sneaky VG, but Ha! Ha! you didn’t say BRITISH Pigs so it doesn’t count. I own you!
I have no idea if they are available from http://www.thebookdepository.com, but if they are, that’s the place to buy them: all shipping worldwide is included in the price. If we’re in France, I always buy from them rather than from Amazon.
Well, Mike would definitely want to go for the car one, and I would probably aim for the lavvies. That kind of reflects our differing interests!
In all honesty, I bet they are all wonderful.
Good advice on all fronts Morag, thank you.
Oh, go on, you know you want a book that has five FANYs in fur coats on the front cover…..
English Rose: Did you read the item I wrote about FANYs a while ago? Here is the link: http://wartimehousewife.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/badges-of-honour-fany
As you were one, I’d be interested to hear your opinion. Is it just my mind, or is it hilarious to have FANYs in fur coats?
Bandstands? Brilliant. Been waiting for a book about them for years.
It was through your excellent article that I discovered your blog – I was doing some research at the time into our Corps history, stumbled across your blog and haven’t stopped reading since!
(Incidentally, did you realise that Princess – now Queen – Elizabeth joined the ATS and was taught to drive by the FANYs?)
I’m a modern-day FANY. In theory we have an alternative name now (Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps) but virtually everyone still refers to us as FANYs – we even retain the FANY flash on our service dress (which hasn’t changed much from the 1940s dress). You can just imagine the perils of working with soldiers as a FANY – I think I must be the world’s leading expert in smutty jokes by now
We all have a *very* good sense of humour….
As for the fur coats – yes, they’re hilarious! Mind you, the girls who wore them were driving open ambulances along the Front Line in the winter of 1916/1917. No windscreens, no doors: sometimes the rain was so bad that the girls could barely even keep their eyes open as the rain lashed down and they struggled to drive along muddy tracks to take the wounded for treatment. Under those circumstances I think even I might been caught wearing a non regulation fur coat! Offhand, members of the Corps won something like 19 Military Medals, nearly 30 Croix de Guerre and at least one Legion d’Honneur for their services during the war – not bad when you consider that the War Office initially didn’t even want women on the Front Line.
Thanks so much for that extra insight English Rose, glad you approved of the article as an “expert”!
No wonder women got the vote after their astonishing contribution to that hideous conflict.
Oh, these look wonderful! I’ve never even heard of them before. Must go to book depository and see if I can get them. Otherwise, I’ll ask my sister-in-law to buy some the next time she is in London and send them to me for my birthday. I don’t know how I’d choose although definitely the FANY one. I recently read a novel set in WWII and learned so much about the FANYs that I now want to know more. The Fields, Hedges,and Ditches one sounds great as does the British Pig one (a whole book about pigs–priceless!).
Thanks for writing about these, WH.
Oh my! I’m back. Book Depository does indeed have them and what a treasure trove: old buttons, tea and coffee cups, oil lamps, jugs, words, and this all on just the first page. I’m doomed, or at least my budget is. I thank you even if my book budget doesn’t, WH.
I’ve never heard of these Shire books. GOSH, WHERE’VE I BEEN ALL MY LIFE? Absolutely fascinating and thank you so much for alerting me to these, I am now spoilt for choice and have no idea where to start since I am now in love with them all!
I hadn’t heard of Book Depository before what a wonderful site. Now I will spend my Sunday Afternoon browsing instead of getting any work done. I vote for Fields, Hedges and Ditches but that could be because I am looking out on a foot of snow and desperately wanting spring.
“Women Of The First World War” would be my choice. Thanks for bringing interesting books to our attention, I’m going to see if I can find those on Amazon. I also love to collect books. Don’t think I will ever own a Kindle.
Penny: Good to hear from you old chap – I’m sorry you still have snow…
So glad to have brought you a new avenue of delight and expense. And good to hear from my expanding Canadian Contingent! Spread the word…
Rather than British Family Cars of the 1950s and 60s, I recommend Vintage Motor cars. The author Bill Boddy has just turned 98 years of age and still writes a monthly column.
Blimey. One of my pictures is in a Shire Book, Public Schools I think, and I got paid in books. Which was nice, if utterly irresponsible as was pointed out. And do you know, literally five minutes ago I was in the local bookshop and nearly bought one on 1950s homes but then realised all my cash had gone on a coat in Age Concern.
There is a Shire book store in Canada, in Newfoundland, and the shipping charge for my 2 books is only $5.00!
Result, Jackie!
OK, everyone buy this one immediately so Shires know they were right to use Peter. (and will want to use him again!
Makes you realise what a talented and intelligent crowd the Wartime Housewife Readership actually is.