Non Fiction Books About Cornwall
Our ultimate list of non fiction books about Cornwall will give you some great ideas for gifts for people who want to learn more about Cornwall. As we live in Cornwall, we have some insider knowledge so this list is carefully curated to ensure you will give a fabulous gift.
Cornish Gardens
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The Great Gardens of Cornwall: The People and their Plants by Tim Hubbard
The sub-tropical climate of Cornwall and the enthusiasm of Victorian botanists led to the creation of some stunning gardens in Cornwall. Today there is a wealth of diverse and beautiful gardens and this gorgeous book gives a brilliant introduction to those gardens as it covers nineteen locations from Carhayes to Tremenheere.
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The Lost Gardens of Heligan by Tim Smit
A great read that tells the story of the finding and the renovation of the gardens at Heligan. The majority of the Heligan gardeners left for the War in 1914 and never returned so the gardens fell into disuse. Roll forward to 1990 and Tim Smit takes on the task of renovation.
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Eden by Tim Smit
Tim Smit remains a controversial character here in Cornwall, but you cannot deny the success of this iconic garden. Tim's success with the Lost Gardens of Heligan led him to envision a much more ambitious project to turn a disused clay pit into a living theatre of plants and people. Inspire your chum with this great read.
Cornish History Books
The Real World of Poldark by Bernard Deacon
My current favourite book - this very readable book compares the world of Poldark in fiction and on screen to historical sources. From mines to food and drink and all points in between Deacon takes an irreverent look at Poldark. Winston Graham comes out well, less so the popular TV series.
For more Poldark gift ideas see here.
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A Little History of Cornwall by Paul Wreyford
A great little book that has a chatty informal style and takes us on a journey across the centuries in Cornwall. It is a great book to dip in and out of as each era is presented in the form of short stories rather than in long academic chapters. A good read on the train on the way to Cornwall.
Cornwall: A History by Philip Payton
This is one of the classic histories of Cornwall of recent years. It is written by Philip Payton who was Director of the Institute of Cornish Studies. The book takes us through the history of Cornwall from earliest times to the present day. Not as chatty as the Wreyford book, but a must read for all students of Cornish history.
The Great Cornish Families by Crispin Gill
A very interesting book that relates the history of twenty-two families, their houses and estates, and describes within the context of national history the part each has played in the politics, commerce and the arts of their day. I am proud to have a number of these families in my family tree - but centuries ago!
Cornish Cookbooks
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The Hidden Hut: Irresistible recipes from Cornwall's Best Kept Secret
Not really a secret anymore, but the Hidden Hut is still a Cornish legend as it is located on a remote beach east of Portscatho on the Roseland Penisula. It is famous for its outdoor feasts that use local produce, fish and meat. This recipe book helps the cook to reproduce the food created at the famous feasts.
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The Great Cornish Fish Book by Ruth Huxley and Rosie Willmot
Explore the skills to make your seafood sing, flavours to get your pulse racing and recipes for every mood, style and occasion from some of Cornwall's greatest chefs and food experts. It has more than recipes, offering insights into local restaurants and even folklore. A great gift.
The Cornish Cookbook by Katie Fisher
The Cornish Cook Book is the latest in the `Get Stuck In' series of regional cook books from Meze Publishing. It celebrates the best of the area's food and drink scene with over 30 recipes contributed by a diverse selection of restaurants, bars, cafes and small producers across the county.
Cornwall – the place
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Vanishing Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier lived in Cornwall for much of her life. Its rugged coastline, wild terrain and tumultuous weather inspired her imagination, and many of her works are set there, including Rebecca, Jamaica Inn and Frenchman's Creek. In Vanishing Cornwall she celebrates the land she loved, exploring its legends, its history and its people, eloquently making a powerful plea for Cornwall's preservation.
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Rising Ground: A search for the spirit of place by Philip Marsden
One man's journey to find Cornwall. 'Marsden has a gift, not only for language and metaphor, but also for imagining places as they have felt to others. Marsden recreates their works - and in the process, finds a Cornwall of his own' The Economist. An uplifting and inspriing read.
The Salt Path by Raynor Wynn
A fantastic read that covers a journey of life on the South West Coast Path. 'An astonishing narrative of two people dragging themselves from the depths of despair along some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, looking for a solution to their problems and ultimately finding themselves' Independent.
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Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API