'The Plymouth Book of Days by John Van der Kiste'

ON the surface a collection of newspaper snippets about Plymouth from the last 180 years or so may not be of any great interest to anyone who is not from Devon's first city. But that would be untrue of this latest work by author John Van der Kiste as this compact, but well presented hard back book, makes an informative and entertaining read - and not just for Plymothians!

With an unusual format that covers a calendar year but taken from random ones - from 1824 to 2005, there are many, short, quirky items which each make a good read.

For example on April 8, 1957 a Plymouth diaryman received a letter from Inland Revenue demanding his tax return. They did, indeed receive a reply, addressed No 3, harpist (second row), Celestial Orchestra and signed off 'Yours in spirit.'

On March 1, 1945, a woman travelling on the train from Paddington asked a naval officer in her compartment to tell her when they reach Plymouth. 'You won't miss it madam because when you get there it will be raining.' He was right! What is enjoyable about this book is that it is a simple 'pick up and put down' and meanders all over the place, like a drunken sailor in Union Street on a Friday night - from the serious to the sublime.

'The Plymouth Book of Days by John Van der Kiste' is published by The History Press, Stroud, Gloucestershire.

ISBN 97807524 60802. Priced £9.99.

Also by the author is 'The Little Book of Devon.'

This is a compendium of fascinating information about the the county past and present. Contained within is a plethora of entertaining facts about Devon's famous and occasionally infamous men and women, its towns and countryside, history, literary, artistic and sporting acheivements, agriculture, transport, industry and royal visits.

'The Little Book of Devon' priced at £9.99. ISBN 9780752 461670.

JOHN HUTCHINS