The Parochial History of Cornwall, Volume 4 (of 4) by Davies Gilbert et al.
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Forget a single plot. This book is a grand tour, parish by parish, through the heart of 19th-century Cornwall. It's a collection of everything the authors could find: family histories, descriptions of old manor houses, notes on local industry, and, best of all, the folklore and legends that people actually told. It pieces together the character of a region from thousands of little fragments.
Why You Should Read It
This is where the book comes alive. It’s not dry facts; it’s the voice of the place. You get the stubborn pride of old families, the superstitions of fishermen, and the quiet drama of villages weathering centuries. Reading it feels like sitting with a wonderfully knowledgeable, slightly eccentric local who points to a field and says, 'See that? A giant is buried there,' or nods at a cove and whispers about smuggler's gold. The themes are timeless: memory, belonging, and how stories become part of the land.
Final Verdict
This is a treasure for a specific reader. Perfect for anyone with Cornish roots, lovers of deep-dive local history, or writers looking for authentic folklore. It’s not a page-turner in the usual sense, but a book to wander through. If you enjoy getting lost in the rich, gritty details of a place and its people, you'll find this fourth volume utterly absorbing.
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James Brown
1 month agoI needed a solid reference and the interplay between the protagonists drives the story forward beautifully. An unexpectedly enjoyable experience.
Sandra Young
5 months agoI stumbled upon this by accident and the author clearly understands the subject matter in depth. I couldn't put it down until the very end.
Donna Davis
3 months agoFrom an academic standpoint, it challenges the reader's perspective in the most intellectual way. This turned out to be a great decision.
Lisa King
4 months agoI approached this with an open mind and the writing remains engaging even during complex sections. I learned so much from this.
Betty Lewis
2 months agoIn my opinion, the balance between theory and practice is exceptionally well done. A true masterpiece of its kind.