Many books and essays have addressed the broad sweep of Texas music—its multicultural aspects, its wide array and blending of musical genres, its historical transformations, and its love/hate relationship with Nashville and other established music business centers. This book, however, focuses on an essential thread in this tapestry: the Texas singer-songwriters to whom the contributors refer as “ruthlessly poetic.” All songs require good lyrics, but for these songwriters, the poetic qualit...

The medical profession is rich in those who have made names for themselves outside of medicine. The fields of literature, exploration, business, sport, entertainment, and beyond abound with doctors whose interests lie outside medicine. This book, largely written by members of the medical profession, examines the efforts of doctors in non-medical fields. The doctors discussed here are those who are, or were, well-known to the public for their contributions to their non-medical fields of cho...

Rapid Ray Lewis was arguably the fastest man of his generation. He won medals in the 1932 Olympics and the 1934 British Empire Games, and countless races in North America. Remarkable achievements for any man – but all the more remarkable because Lewis had to race poverty and prejudice. The geat-grandson of slaves, he worked as a porter on the railway, and trained by running alongside the tracks when the train was stopped on the prairies.Rapid Ray is far more than a sports ...

Lost Rickmansworth, Croxley Green and Chorleywood portrays a vivid picture of the many losses and changes that have taken place in this lovely area over the last 100 years, as the reader embarks on a fascinating journey of discovery. Fond memories are evoked of the local cinemas, long since gone, where for a few hours one could escape to the celluloid world of make-believe in the smoky atmosphere of the auditorium. Sadly, industries such as Walker’s boatbuilding, Moussec’s sparkling wine a...

The Welfare Revolution of the early 20th century did not start with Clement Attlee's Labour governments of 1945 to 1951 but had its origins in the Liberal government of forty years earlier. The British Welfare Revolution, 1906-14 offers a fresh perspective on the social reforms introduced by these Liberal governments in the years 1906 to 1914. Reforms conceived during this time created the foundations of the Welfare State and transformed modern Britain; they touched every major ar...

John Cooper takes the reader on a fascinating journey along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal, which meanders through what is arguably one of the most picturesque stretches of inland waterway in the county. Using a vibrant selection of old picture postcards and photographs, together with superb modern-day images, we trace the history of the canal from its beginnings at the start of the early nineteenth century as an essential means of transporting raw materials to the new factories and ...

Watford is situated between the Rivers Gade and Colne, fifteen miles north-west of London in what Charles Lamb, the eighteenth-century English essayist, once called 'hearty, homely, loving Hertfordshire'. A Saxon chief named Wata is believed to have settled where the existing Lower High Street crosses the Colne, and this came to be known as Wata's Ford, later shortened to Watford. Watford Through Time takes the reader on a nostalgic journey through the old market town and the beautiful Cas...

Harpenden: The Postcard Collection depicts a vibrant selection of over 170 images captured during the first half of the twentieth century by a small but dedicated group of photographers, who recorded for posterity the copious views of this picturesque village and the immediate surrounding area. Without their undisputed commitment and enthusiasm, much of the delightful pictorial history of yesteryear would have been lost forever. Memories abound as the reader is given a fascinating insight ...

Lost Watford portrays a vivid picture of the many losses and changes that have taken place over the last 100 years, as the reader embarks on an interesting journey of discovery around the old market town. Lovely buildings such as Cassiobury House, the seat of the Earls of Essex, and the historic park gates, both long gone and now just a memory. We remember too much-loved shops such as Clements and Cawdell’s where each delightful visit was a shopping experience in itself. Fond memories are ...

The Protagonist's Journey: The story follows the protagonist as he reflects on his past and the significant moments that have shaped his life. This introspective journey is often triggered by a particular event or realization in his current life.Nostalgic Themes: The novel explores themes of nostalgia and the power of memory. The protagonist revisits important memories and the emotional impact they have had on his life and relationships.Romantic and Emotional Depth: The narrative includes ...

In "The Imaginary Marriage," Cooper likely explores themes of love, relationships, and societal expectations. The title suggests that the novel may involve a plot centered around a marriage that exists only in the imagination or one that is unconventional in some way.While I couldn't find specific details about the plot of "The Imaginary Marriage," Cooper's writing style is likely characterized by its attention to detail, well-developed characters, and exploration of human emotions and mot...

Can really bad things just happen to good ordinary working folk? Duane, Frankie, Arthur, Syd, Slim, Harry, Dave, Jack. Reg, Sheila and Tony, make up “The Ten Bob Notes” a jobbing part time dance band playing in the Black Country 'Brumijum' in the 1950's. (Yes there are eleven but Duane's the leader/conductor so he doesn't count!) Is Frankie really that bad? A 'Ted' with a dangerous quiff who dabbles in dodgy deals and a bit of fast transport with his black Austin Atlantic convertible....