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Shropshire photographer collects images for new edition of A Shropshire Lad

Posted by Lydia Unwin on

Shropshire photographer collects images for new edition of A Shropshire Lad
An updated edition of acclaimed poetry collection A Shropshire Lad includes dozens of images taken by a local photographer. John Hayward is part of a family photography business. He was approached by Ludlow publisher Merlin Unwin Books to provide shots of Shropshire to accompany the words of A. E. Housman, who was born near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, in 1859. A Shropshire Lad - Housman's first book of 63 poems - was published in 1896 and has never been out of print. BBC presenter Nick Owen is a lifelong lover of Housman's work, having been introduced to it as a Shropshire schoolboy by his father Bertie. Owen, who still owns a pre-War version of A Shropshire Lad, agrees with the photographer that Housman's words still resonate with people, reflecting a "county that has such a strong place in my heart".
Coming soon - A new photographic edition of A Shropshire Lad (24th September 2026) 

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Jim Corbett’s Gun Cabinet: A Life in Steel... A video by Rose & Scroll ft. Undiscovered Corbett a new book by Ian Douglas

Posted by Lydia Unwin on

Jim Corbett’s Gun Cabinet: A Life in Steel... A video by Rose & Scroll ft. Undiscovered Corbett a new book by Ian Douglas

On an April evening in 1930, in the hills of northern India, a man eased down a narrow ravine — a clutch of nightjar eggs carried with care, a rifle at the ready. He stepped clear of a great slab of rock, looked back over his right shoulder — and straight into the face of a man-eating tigress.

The rifle lay across his chest, pointing away from her. To bring it to bear, the muzzle would have to travel three-quarters of a circle. One-handed. So slowly that the movement itself could not be seen.

The man was Jim Corbett — and those few seconds have been argued over for ninety years. At the centre of the argument stands one particular rifle, with a number in a London gunmaker’s ledger, and a silver plaque engraved with the wrong initials.

But this is not the story of that rifle. It is the story of all of them.

The Rose & Scroll Fine Gun Journal presents… Jim Corbett’s Gun Cabinet: A Life in Steel...

Watch the video here or on YouTube or the Rose and Scroll website. If you enjoy it, you can read in detail about the life and legacy of Jim Corbett in Ian Douglas new book, Undiscovered Corbett

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Meet the Author: Steve Palin - NEW BOOK Pundemonium is coming soon (12 August!)

Posted by Lydia Unwin on

Meet the Author: Steve Palin - NEW BOOK Pundemonium is coming soon (12 August!)

If you've enjoyed Steve's previous books, Pundemonium is his funniest and most playful collection yet - and if you're discovering his work for the first time, it's the perfect place to start.

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British fishing communities are on a quest to get Brits eating more local produce - CJ Jackson speaks to National Geographic

Posted by Lydia Unwin on

British fishing communities are on a quest to get Brits eating more local produce - CJ Jackson speaks to National Geographic

CJ Jackson shares her tips of making the most of British Seafood. She spoke to National Geographic from Billingsgate where she is Head of the cookery school.

CJ is a passionate advocate for sustainable British seafood, and shares uncomfortable truths about the industry - why is 80% of seafood consumed in the UK imported, and yet our catch is snapped up by European trade.

Most of us are willing to try try theses lesser-known British seafood species - fresher, sustainable and locally sourced. If you are keen in principle but don't know where to start CJ shares her recipes in the Great British Seafood Revival (£25).

https://merlinunwin.co.uk/collections/new-books/products/great-british-seafood-revival

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Create the Ultimate Countryside Quiz with Merlin Unwin Books 🌿🐦🦌

Posted by Lydia Unwin on

Create the Ultimate Countryside Quiz with Merlin Unwin Books 🌿🐦🦌

🌳 Why Merlin Unwin Books?

Merlin Unwin Books specialises in beautifully produced countryside, wildlife and rural history titles written by genuine experts. Whether your quiz audience is made up of walkers, gardeners, birdwatchers, farmers or lovers of the British countryside, you'll find no shortage of inspiration. 

👉 Explore the full collection: Merlin Unwin Books

Happy quizzing!

Because the best countryside quizzes are well planned, fun and informative. So gather your facts, sharpen those pencils and see who really knows their flora and fauna!

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