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The best Dartmoor books from my shelves
This blog has been silent for a while, but a new subject and new publication is brewing. This time its theme is beyond the Cornish border, within the amazing landscape that is Dartmoor. So to start a new series of posts off, here is my recommendations from my bookshelves of the most loved and read books on the moor.
My re-print of William Crossing’s A Hundred Years on Dartmoor just gone live on Kindle, click on the cover image below to visit its Amazon page. More details to follow…..
High Dartmoor-Land and people
By Eric Hemery
1983
Eric Hemery’s masterpiece of topological writing is a worthy follow on from Crossing’s Victorian guide to Dartmoor. It was the result of many years, and many miles of walking by a well respected Dartmoor Guide and lecturer.
Hemery’s work was never intended to replace Crossing’s work, its sheer size lone preventing it becoming a walker’s guide. But within its many pages is a wealth of information on every hill, stream and feature on the Moor. Its layout is based on the rivers and streams. Chapters are written based on the main river systems, with tributaries forming the order within. This layout is supported by an excellent index, rich footnotes and annotated photographs.
By its nature this book took many years to write and this is reflected within the style of its chapters; some of which are less polished then others. But the valuable information is still there, information that is invaluable to anyone who loves Dartmoor.
A heavy book, a pricey book, but worth every inch of bookshelf space and every penny. Crossing would have been proud of inspiring such a work.
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Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities
By Jeremy Butler
1991-1997
This series of five books form an in depth study of almost every antiquity on Dartmoor. Four books cover geographical areas on the moor and the fith is a Dartmoor wide account of the bronze age remains.
At the core of the books are excellent fold out maps of the areas covered showing the location of all the features. Each feature is then described through maps, diagrams, photographs and text. The result is an outstanding depth of information that is made easily accessible trough a simple clever format.
Getting the full series may take a bit of hunting, but the effort will be well rewarded.
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The Industrial Archaeology of Dartmoor
By Helen Harris
1968
A groundbreaking book on its publication this still provides a great introduction to the Industrial archaeology of the Moor.
It is a book of two sections, the first being chapters on the main industrial themes and the second a parish by parish Gazetteer. Its broad scope enables a wide view of the topic, allowing themes to be followed up in more specialized publications.
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Enjoy Some Dartmoor Art
The header picture of this post is taken from the Cornish Artist Helen Elizabeth Manley’s series exploring the Dartmoor Landscape. If you would like to enjoy more of her work pop across to her website.
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