THIS well written, minutely researched book on a famed, quite historic local hostelry strongly recommends itself to the reader desirous of possessing an interesting, informative and lucid narrative, with evocative photos taken over the generations into which they can delve from time to time.

However, 'The Warren House Inn — Dartmoor', is so well crafted it is also essential reading for the serious student or the very demanding.

For with the addition and incorporation of an index, bibliography, a comprehensive list of references, location maps and prints, it becomes a publication which will satisfy virtually all tastes and requirements.

Still, when considering the literary eminence of the joint authors, would anyone expect otherwise?

Tom Greaves, writer of numerous books and articles on a very wide range of the archaeology and history of Dartmoor, brings scholarship to the book, while Elisabeth Stranbrook, again a long established author and journalist, brings extensive knowledge and, like Dr Greaves, a sharp, economic, yet descriptive style which adds depth to the narrative.

In their hands, the history, often chequered, of this hostelry — at 1,425ft the highest public house south of the Derbyshire peaks and among the loneliest hroughout the land — rivets the attention.

Built in 1845 on the opposite side of the bleak moorland track to its immediate predecessor 'New House' — origins of which can be traced back to 1354 — The Warren House has always been well patronised, despite its location.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the tough, often unruly tin miners working the small, lonely seams of that part of Dartmoor, would treat the pub as a local, even though often such a description was inaccurate, having to walk miles from solitary cottages over bleak terrain to slake their thirst.

Also, Dartmoor farmers have been, and remain, regular clients who would often, even in the harshest weather — beat their way to the inn's doors.

Once inside, of course, many would not worry if they were snowed in, there being plenty to eat and drink with warmth guaranteed by the peat fire which, reportedly, has not gone out in more than 150 years.

However, if anyone was to die on the premises in such weather — and it was of long duration — then possibly the sole action open to the landlord would be to copy that done to an elderly farmer during the early years who died when the pub was cut off; his corpse was salted to preserve it then placed in a chest to await the thaw, when removal to a graveyard, and Christian burial, could take place.

Landlords of this unique inn with its exacting climate, remoteness and often hard drinking aggressive clientele, had to be resilient, innovative individuals, equal to whatever came their way.

Many are given mention in the publication, none more so than Jonas Coaker, landlord during turbulent times in the first half of the 19th century, when the success and good order of a tavern was down so much to the character of the licensee. Also a poet, he was a man of consequence as were many others. A small, but deft touch in the book (along with many others) is the inclusion of a list of the known publicans of both houses from 1786 to the present day.

Tom Greaves and Elisabeth Stanbrook have weaved this book as much as they have written it.

Detailed geographical and mining information is subtly weaved into tales of characters who lived on the moor and frequented the pub. This evolves, often, into thoughtful observation and comment on the social issues which have guided moor people's lives over the past two centuries; the more tourist orientated times of the past 40 years also receive perceptive study. There is, however, no embroidery. A quality production in every sense of the word, 'The Warren House Inn - Dartmoor', displays its final bonus on the back cover; at just £4.95 to buy, truly it is a bargain.

'The Warren House Inn - Dartmoor' by Tom Greaves and Elisabeth Stanbrook is published by Bannawell Books and available at Bookstop, Tavistock.

TED SHERRELL