Book launches and reviews, Spring 2004
Alabaster Images of Medieval England compiled by Francis Cheetham, (Boydell & Brewer, 2003) is an exhaustive catalogue of the remaining examples of these exquisite carvings, much of the alabaster having been carved in Nottingham and the Midlands. Many were exported throughout Europe, and a large number in England were destroyed during the Reformation. Francis Cheetham, who Thoroton Society members will remember gave the Keith Train lecture last year, lists some 2,400 carvings and includes over 400 photographs. The book is available to members of the Society at the special discounted price of £67.50, instead of the usual £90. Further details from Sean Andersson, Boydell & Brewer Ltd, tel 01394 412900, website www.boydell.co.uk.
The Robin Hood Companion by Ronan Coghlan (207pp, 2003, price £7.99 UK) is a complete guide to the famous outlaw in legend, literature and on screen and stage. The first part of this publication contains an A-Z guide of the characters, places and topics in the Robin Hood mythology from medieval times to the present day. The second is a translation into modern English verse of the ballad epic A Little Gest of Robin Hood. The book can be ordered from booksellers, www.amazon.co.uk, or direct from the publisher – if ordering from the latter it is post-free in the UK; orders from Europe should include £1.01 for postage and handling. Cheques are payable to Ronan Coghlan.
For further details contact Xiphos Books, tel 028 91458579, or e-mail excalibur@bangor.fsbusiness.co.uk.