Book Review: Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire by SC Skillman

 

Good evening, Bookaholics, have I got a book for you. Now, you are probably wondering, Wendy, you're from Scotland, why on earth a book about Warwickshire. The answer - - this book is truly brilliant. 

Blurb

Warwickshire, often known as Shakespeare’s County, has a host of strange and mysterious tales ranging from ancient legends and stories of the supernatural to more modern documented cases. Curious beliefs and customs were once widespread in Warwickshire’s towns and villages, some of which still flourish today. These strange and spooky stories include the quirky death of the Roundhead commander who owned Warwick Castle, the association of the great author J. R. R. Tolkien with the town, and the story of the hand of glory obtained at Warwick hangings. The historic buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon have witnessed many strange events over the centuries and more recently the Crackley Wood sprite has been sighted at Kenilworth. Other stories include the Wroth Silver at Knightlow Cross, an 800-year‑old violent ball game played annually at Atherstone on Shrove Tuesday, and the unresolved mystery of the 1945 murder at Lower Quinton associated with witchcraft, along with other strange tales from the surrounding towns and villages. These stories are accompanied by the author’s photographs in this hugely entertaining book.

Review

I love, in fact adore, visiting new places and learning new things. If it's combined with a place associated with Shakespeare it ticks all my boxes. This book is jam packed with fascinating information about different places in Warwickshire. The county, both historical and contemporary, is skilfully brought to life in both prose and pictures. The photographs which support the stories were taken by either SC Skillman herself or by members of her family. Highly professional, they are the perfect accompaniment to bring the horse to life. Or is it the prose which brings the pictures to life. I believe both are true. 

The book is split into sections - from Strange and Spooky Tales to And Then The Whining Schoolboy: Lewis Carol at Rugby School, via myths, legends, witchcraft, and so much more the stories leap off the page and into your heart and psyche. The author, a skilled writer, brings the county to life and the stories are delightful.

Of course, no book about and English County is complete without Morris Dancers. I loved the colourful images for this story, as well as the colourful description which described Morris Dancing to a T. 

There is something for everyone in this book whether you are visiting Warwickshire or not. If you are visiting, or live anywhere nearby, I would say it is a must read. 

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review. At no point was I asked to write a positive review and my review is based on my reading of the book. 

My next blog will come to you from Antigua in the Caribbean where I'm off to do a research trip. Yes. research. See you soon Bookaholics and until then keep reading and writing. 

You can buy the book from all bishops or via the author's website. 

Bio

Sheila lives in Warwickshire, and writes psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction and non-fiction. She is a member of the Society of Authors and the Association of Christian Writers.

Her two non-fiction books Paranormal Warwickshire and Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire are both published by Amberley and she is now writing a third book in her Warwickshire series, A-Z of Warwick.

Her new novel, Director's Cut, is out with publishers and she is also working on Standing Ovation, the sequel.



She began her publishing career with the duology Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit which are both set in the same mysterious English manor house in the heart of England - the beautiful Cotswolds hills. There, gothic themes, paranormal events and ghostly tales are never far away. She has set the books in contemporary times, not far from her present home.

She has also written Perilous Path, A Writer's Journey: a self help book for those writing a novel, or who would like to write a novel. Packed full of tips and friendly reminders, it's encouraging and motivational. It's also for anyone who loves finding out about writers, their lives and works.

Sheila was born and brought up in Orpington, Kent, and has loved writing stories most of her life. She studied English Literature at Lancaster University, and her first permanent job was as a production secretary with the BBC. Later she lived for nearly five years in Australia before returning to the UK. She has now settled in Warwick with her husband and son, and her daughter currently lives and works in Australia.