Bøger af Robert Turcan

The history of Deal has been shaped by its position on the extreme eastern coastline of Kent. Close to France, it was of such significant naval importance that Henry VIII chose to erect a castle here on the concentric circle plan. Revolutionary at the time, it is beautifully preserved today. Barracks were established here from 1861. This corps of the British Army was infamously bombed by the IRA in 1989, and the School of Music departed seven years later. Many literary references to Deal refer to its villainous populace, which was often associated with smuggling. Today, chic cafes, shops and holiday cottages reveal an atmosphere of quiet prosperity. Pepys' and Cobette's derogatory terms of 'pitiful' and 'detestable' are a world away from modern Deal. Instead, as the images collected here show, through time the town has become a hidden gem of idyllic existence.

Sittingbourne Through Time provides a detailed insight to this unique town. Straddling the old Roman road between London and Dover, the town's position on this ancient route made it a stopover in which to refresh travellers and their horses. By showcasing modern and archive photographs side by side, the progress over the last century is apparent. From the railways to the barges, the author perfectly documents this quaint and quirky town. After the First World War heavy industry remained important, but there was an increasing emphasis on secondary manufacturing and services. Old derelict brickfields became new commercial estates; commuters to London found property affordable and electrification of the railway track made their daily journey easier. Now the population of over 50,000 expects an enhanced town centre and shopping facilities. Whether the reader is a life-long local of Sittingbourne or a tourist, there is something for everyone within this fully updated version of Sittingbourne Through Time.

Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' is a well worn cliche, however, it does encapsulate the genteel character of this Kentish spa. Before the popularity of sea bathing, holidaymakers gathered here to drink the waters for medicinal purposes. The town grew to accommodate visitors with smart hotels and attractive terraces of Georgian and Victorian houses. The area's sandstone geology is revealed at Wellington and High Rocks and there is also evidence of Roman occupation in the town's roots. Today a low crime rate, relatively full employment, attractive open spaces, good transport links to London and a vibrant retail sector have created a contented community. Changes to the townscape over the past century have been mostly sympathetic, but still very important. The photographs in this book provide a fleeting view of Tunbridge Wells through time, and provide the reader with a fascinating tour of this Kentish spa's eclectic past and present.

The river Thames has always been a strong element of Gravesend's history. A port was established close to London, which became the embarkation point for overseas visitors before Tilbury Dock was built. From 1800 to 1830 the population doubled as it became a fashionable resort for Londoners. Day trippers increased in the nineteenth century as cheap fares on paddle steamers became available to the cockney masses. Affordable rail tickets also swelled visitor numbers.Fairs, parks and promenades flourished from the throngs of Victorian pleasure seekers. Meanwhile, heavy industries such as cement and paper manufacture also contributed to business growth, and during the last century, large housing estates have spread around the old town. Robert Turcan's new book will surprise and delight as it shows how the area has changed over time.

This is a vivid account of what their gods meant to the Romans from archaic times to late antiquity, and of the rites and rituals connected with them.