Category Archives: Channel Islands

February 28, 2011 · 10:39 am

More Guernsey Book Reviews – Memories of visits in Days Gone By

Four lovely little books I found in a second hand bookshop in St Peter Port are:

Guernsey in Queen Victoria’s Regn and Guernsey Folklore

I first picked up two in the series of ‘Guernsey Historical Monographs’ republished in 1986 from original texts in1847 & 1860. There is nothing better than to read history through the eyes of those who were there! I love the dialogue, for example of the boys on the docks jostling for custom with the arrival of travellers from the steamer. Inside these gems are many more precious glimpses into Guernsey’s past.

John Skinner’s visit to the Channel Islands August 1827

This vivid account of John Skinner’s travels is illustrated by beautiful engravings. I don’t think you can match reading descriptions for example:

‘the Peasants, their cheerful looks, and independent, yet respectful manners, bespeak of happiness: there seems however a want of wood in the Island, which our driver (horse and trap) endeavoured to account for by saying, all the trees of any size, were cut down during the war to build Privateers…’

Memoires de Guernsey 1885 by Claudine L’Abbe

How delightful this is, with its flowing muses and wonderful descriptions:

‘’How well I remember La Rue des Cornets. As a child it captured my imagination and filled my mind with wonder…… Then came a perilous flight of stone steps leading to the water’s edge, a relic of old privateering days……..After this came the sensation of the times and the rendezvous of epicures and gourmets.’

Anyone who’s been to St Peter Port will be transported in their mind back to the quaint cobbled streets and even smell the delights from the restaurants and cafes looking over the harbour towards Castle Cornet.

If you have your own personal memories of a visit to Guernsey, it would be lovely to hear from you too!

© Diana Jackson 28/02/2011

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February 25, 2011 · 2:29 pm

Books on Guernsey – Personal Reviews

 

I have picked up several little books on Guernsey’s history over the years and here I’ll share with you two which you may still be able to find. If not the The Guernsey Society Bookshop is an excellent place to search for more information:

The Guernsey Society Bookshop

 

And if you are interested in the history of the Channel Islands then time spent at The Priaulx Library, Candy Road, St Peter Port is a must!  

A Short History of Guernsey by Peter Johnson

There are several editions of this handy little book and its hundred pages span from 7,000 BC when apparently the rising water levels from the Ice Age cut the land bridge between France, Alderney and Guernsey. It describes in amazing detail, for a brief account, through to the period when King John lost Normandy in 1204 and the islanders had the choice of allegiance between France and England and so from that moment on the majority of Guernseymen swore allegiance to the English crown.

As with Alderney there was an age of smuggling and privateering after the Civil War and Johnson then goes on to describe The Napoleonic Era and influential figures for example  Rear Admiral Sir James Saumarez and Major General John Gasard le Marchant,  also pictured.

Johnson talks of the development of the road systems, transport, shops and markets and I was surprised that the famous covered fish and flower market, once near the church in St Peter Port was opened 1822.

I appreciate the way in which each period in history is treated equally, including the years of occupation during WW2,

and the illustrations add a charm of their own.

Historic Guernsey by Brian White

This is a beautifully illustrated little tome, this time choosing themes in which to describe the history of St Peter Port, the harbour, Castle Cornet and the Occupation. Brian White also has sections on the key characters of Victor Hugo, Renoir and the less well known outside the island Peter le Lieve, whose illustrations bring many of the pages to life.

Are there any books on Guernsey’s history you can recommend? It would be great to hear from you.

© 26/02/2011

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February 13, 2011 · 10:30 am

More book reviews on Alderney

Alderney Annuls by Roger Venne & Geoffrey Allez

What I love about this book is the quotes from historians and travellers back as far as the 16th Century. These bring the island’s history to life with humour giving fascinating facts, detailed lists- for example businesses in 1851, folklore and vivid descriptions of important events, places and people. Its pictures add to the book’s appeal. It is well researched and put together in a readable fashion.

Alderney Annuls by Venne & Allez

 

Alderney in Old Photographs  By Brian Bonnard

There are several editions of these wonderful books and what a snapshot of past times they are. Brian Bonnard has collected or been given permission to print postcards, copies of watercolour and oil paintings dating back to 17th Century and photos from 19th and 20th Century. Whether it is to observe the way in which areas of the island have changed, new developments, industry over the years, fashion and fun; each picture tells a story of its own.

It is far more than a book of photos, because Brian has also included snapshots of items from the archives and displays in Alderney Museum dating back to the Bronze Age.

I have two of his editions:

Alderney- A Second Collection and the more recent

Alderney in Old Photographs by Brian Bonnard

I love the picture of the lady with the tall black bonnet sitting above Braye Beach on the Butes!

Also available now – Alderney From Old Photographs ISBN 976-1-84868-360-0

When I was over on Alderney in October last year it was certainly still available for sale in the new bookshop. It can also be bought from The Guernsey Society Website (link on the blog roll) too for those of you who are unable to visit the island, although I would encourage you to do so if you can!

 I gather some of the earlier books are collector’s items!

Next blog -Books on Guernsey

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