The Little Book of the Black Country

The Little Book of the Black Country is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the region's most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, quirky history, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Michael Pearson's new book gathers together a myriad of data on the Black Country. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something you never knew. This is a remarkably engaging little book, and is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

Auteur

Michael Pearson is a retired police inspector with a passion for local history. He has been the editor of The Blackcountryman, and has written two local history titles dealing with crime and genealogy.

Résumé
Did You Know? - Butcher Keith Boxley of Wombourne made the longest continuous sausage in 1988. It was 21.12km in length! - The first general strike in the Black Country took place in 1842. The widespread public unrest was regarded nationally as the first ever general strike. - Hell Lane in Sedgley was described as the 'most unruly place' in the Black Country. A woman who lived in the lane was said to have been a witch and could turn herself into a white rabbit to spy on her neighbours. The Little Book of the Black Country is a funny, fact-packed compendium of frivolous, fantastic, and simply strange information. Here we find out about the region's most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, quirky history, famous figures and literally hundreds of wacky facts. From royal visits and local celebrities, to the riotous Wednesbury protests and a particularly notorious reverend, this is a myriad of data on the Black Country, gathered together by author and local historian Michael Pearson. A handy reference and quirky guide, this engaging little book can be dipped into time and again to reveal something you never knew, making it essential reading for visitors and locals alike.