Spirit of Guernsey - Michael Thompson

Geographically, the Bailiwick of Guernsey, lying in the bay of St Malo, is much closer to France than it is to England. Historically, the Bailiwick owes its allegiance to the Queen of England through her ancient title of Duke of Normandy and is very proud of its separate identity. Likewise, the people of Guernsey, Herm, Alderney and Sark see themselves as a very particular breed of British islanders. The spirit of these resourceful people and their beautiful islands is captured in this book. The words of Peter Davies tell of the history of the Bailiwick -- how, over the centuries, the islanders have made their living by trade, agriculture, privateering, horticulture, quarrying, tourism and, latterly, finance. The photographs, by Michael Thompson and Miles Cowsill, show the islands and their communities as they are today, facing all the challenges of the early 21st century -- a time when a rapidly changing world threatens to impinge on their traditions, customs and liberties. Containing over 160 superb images, "Spirit of Guernsey" is a book to enlighten and entertain all those familiar with the Bailiwick, either as locals or visitors, and to encourage others to come and see the islands for themselves.