Books from Gordon Emery

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Catalogue of Books

Gordon Emery's focus has been on walking guides and local history books for the Northeast Wales and Cheshire areas. These books and booklets (mostly published or written by Gordon) are listed first, followed by poetry books written or translated by Philip Higson.

Click on each title for further details or to add to your shopping cart.


Book cover for CURIOUS CUMBRIA
CURIOUS CUMBRIA by Gordon Emery
The Lake District & Beyond: A celebration of Cumbria £28
A rip-roaring ride through Cumbria past and present. Explore Cumbria and the Lake District through this photographic album of oddities, ancient and modern.
Book cover for The story of Penicillin, Streptomycin and Vitamin B12
The story of Penicillin, Streptomycin and Vitamin B12 by W Bryan Emery
within Glaxo Laboratories 1940-1951 £9.99
W B Emery was a chemist who received both medical and chemical fellowships for his clinical work and research on vitamin B12. He wrote this important history after he retired.
Book cover for VISIONS
VISIONS by Jay Hurst
£24
This collection of paintings and drawings by award winning artist Jay Hurst has something for everyone. Even at 115 illustrations, the book represents a relatively small selection of Jay’s work from the last thirty years. Ranging from Science Fiction illustration and surreal fantasy to still life, landscape and political commentary. Jay’s close observation of nature is often described as ‘worthy of a Dutch flower painter’ while his portraits are ‘reminiscent of a renaissance master’. One chapter focuses exclusively on his drawings of the historic buildings and environs of the city of Chester. Inside it, you’ll find much to delight and amaze the eye. With a foreword by multi-award winning Science Fiction and Fantasy artist Jim Burns. For more of Jay’s work see: https://www.artstation.com/jayhurst8
Book cover for English Lake District
English Lake District by Gordon Emery
10 reasons for the World Heritage Site £2.50
The addition of the English Lake District as a World Heritage Site is explained in 10 reasons originally published by the National Park to gain support and these have been illustrated and added to in this booklet.
Book cover for Chester Walls
Chester Walls by Gordon Emery
Discover the Roman and Medieval Walls £2.95
After curating the Chester Walls exhibition for 3 months in 2015, Gordon has gone on to produce this guide to the walls complete with history, a walk around the walls and the walls chronicle. Jay Hurst the resident artist produced the cover illustration and the frontispiece.
Book cover for Roman Chester - Deva
Roman Chester - Deva by Gordon Emery, Roy Wilding
Discover Chester's Ancient Ruins £2.95
A short history of Roman Britain is followed by the history of Roman Chester together with Roman sites and illustrations of Roman gravestones found in the Roman wall. There is also a map.
Book cover for The Tides of Chester, A guide to
The Tides of Chester, A guide to by John Holt
Where and when to see the bore and high water £4.95
Includes a guide to the Riverside Promenade Trail to Telford's Warehouse, a mile downstream.
Book cover for Forts & Follies (Walks Series)
Forts & Follies (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
ABERGELE £2.50
An 8, 6 or 5 mile route through Abergele, alongside the Afon Gele through woodland and below Castell Cawr and beside Pen-y-corddyn-mawr. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for The Watchtower & Beyond (Walks series)
The Watchtower & Beyond (Walks series) by Gordon Emery
ABERGELE £2.50
A walk of 4, 5, or 7 miles ascending to the watch tower then taking either the shortest return route or circling around to return through woodland along the banks of the River Gele. There is an optional extension to the top of Moelfre Isaf. Map, local information & illustrations.
Book cover for Trevor Tower & Frozen Clock (Walks Series)
Trevor Tower & Frozen Clock (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
ACREFAIR £1.50
A circular walk of 6.5 or 4 miles through pastureland, broad-leaved woodland, moorland and coniferous forest. Return along the same route after reaching Trevor Tower for a 3 mile walk. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for The Boom of the Bitterbump
The Boom of the Bitterbump by Roger Stephens
The Folk-history of Cheshire's Wildlife £11.95
Roger Stephens has gathered the memories, knowledge and superstitions of Cheshire people, past and present - gamekeepers and poachers, farmers and labourers, wildfowlers and fishermen - to tell the human story of the county's wildlife.
Book cover for Cymau & Windy Hill (Walks Series)
Cymau & Windy Hill (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
CEFN-Y-BEDD £2.50
A 4.5 mile circular walk through a former industrial landscape which has reverted to a more natural state. There are three short but fairly steep climbs as you traverse the valley. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for CHESTER  Inside Out
CHESTER Inside Out by Gordon Emery
A walk around the ancient walled city including maps & features SOLD OUT
A walk in four sections, each starting from Chester Cross and looking at the streets, rows and alleys of the city. Hundreds of illustrations.
Book cover for Chester Canal, The Old
Chester Canal, The Old by Edited by Gordon Emery
A History and Guide SOLD OUT
One of England's oldest canals, Chester Canal was a vision of prosperity for the city's Georgian residents, and yet the venture was badly planned and underfunded. Saved by it's junctions to the Ellesmere Canal and the Mersey it went on to become part or the Shropshire Union and competed with the railways of the Victorian age. Here are some of the stories and pictures of its inception and it's life, its boats and its people. This book will appeal to anyone interested in Chester or England's inland waterways. It includes a 60 page guide to exploring the canal.
Book cover for Chester Electric Lighting Station
Chester Electric Lighting Station by Gordon Emery
From steam and hydro: the illuminating story of Chester streetlighting and Britain's first rural electricity supply £7.50
With its demolition permission given, Gordon Emery and the Canal Basin Community Forum fought to save the building while Gordon researched its early history. Here is its story told from the original minutes of the Watch Committee and other sources.
Book cover for Chester Guide, The
Chester Guide, The by Gordon Emery
England’s Walled City, Roman Remains, Museums, Attractions, River Dee, shopping on the Medieval Rows, Cathedral, disabled access £7.95
The guide includes a walk around the walls, a visit to Chester’s riverside groves, a tour of the cathedral, and a 17 page history of Chester alongside a guide showing where the historic sites can be found in the city.
Book cover for Aqueduct, Viaduct & Tunnel (Walks Series)
Aqueduct, Viaduct & Tunnel (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
CHIRK £2.50
A short circular walk with views of the bridges spanning the River Ceiriog, with the option to visit Chirk Castle and its beautiful gardens. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Castle, Dyke & Canal (Walks Series)
Castle, Dyke & Canal (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
CHIRK £2.50
This 6 mile circular walk covers some of the old part of Chirk and returns along the popular Llangollen Canal. There is a 5 mile summer route which can be combined with a visit to the castle. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Exploring Nant Mill (Walks Series)
Exploring Nant Mill (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
COEDPOETH £2.50
A short circuit of the mill or a longer four mile walk looking at the history of the mill, a waggonway and Bersham Ironworks. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Two Walks from the Bay (Walks Series)
Two Walks from the Bay (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
COLWYN BAY £2.50
A walk of 8 or 5 miles and another of 4 miles take you to two viewpoints above Colwyn Bay. The longer route has views of Snowdonia and the Clwydian Range in good weather. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Curious Chester
Curious Chester by Gordon Emery (Photographs by Mike Penney)
Portrait of an English city over two thousand years £19.95
Althrough this is a book of curiousities it is also one of the most detailed books on Chester available today. 240 pages with over 150 illustrations.
Book cover for Curious Clwyd
Curious Clwyd by Gordon Emery (Photos by Mike Penney)
A photographic album of oddities from North East Wales £15.00
190 Pages of oddities complete with photos and grid references.
Book cover for Curious Clwyd 2
Curious Clwyd 2 by Gordon Emery (Photos by Mike Penney)
A Second Photographic Album of Oddities from North East Wales £15.00
This book completes the volumes of Curious Clwyd with another 150 page guide full of photos, illustrations and stories.
Book cover for Death in Chester
Death in Chester by Roy Wilding
Roman Gravestones, Cathedral Burials, Martyrs, Witches, The Plague, Horrible Hangings, Gruesome Deaths and Ghostly Goings-on £18.00
Tombstones, martyrs, tales of hangings - a little light reading before bedtime perhaps?
Book cover for Dr Johnson
Dr Johnson by Gordon Emery
DENBIGH SOLD OUT
"We dined with Mr Middleton, the clergyman of Denbigh", Dr Johnson's dairy states. This walk has views of Denbigh Castle as it follows woodland paths to the cottage where he stayed and the monument erected, to his dismay, in his honour. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for The Castle & Pont Ystrad (Walks Series)
The Castle & Pont Ystrad (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
DENBIGH £2.50
A 5 mile circular walk leading from Denbigh Castle across the Gwaenynog Estate and through woodland to cross the River Ystrad. After a short length of road, the walk continues over meadows beside limestone walls and then crosses Ystrad Bridge before returning on a popular path below the castle. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Cwm & Marian Mills (Walks Series)
Cwm & Marian Mills (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
DYSERTH £2.50
A 6 mile circular walk starting with a gradual climb into the pretty village of Cwm, then continuing below Cwm mountain and following a short section of Offa's Dyke Path. It returns along a never-completed railway. The route can be shortened by returning from Cwm along the same route. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Graig Fawr & Bryniau (Walks Series)
Graig Fawr & Bryniau (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
DYSERTH £2.50
This 2 or 4 mile circular walk starts at the 20m high Dyserth Waterfalls, then leads through woodlands and over National Trust land to a fine viewpoint on the summit of Graig Fawr. The walk then descends to the settlement of Bryniau, then follows several field paths to the Afon Ffyddion (Dyserth Stream) and returns past the site of the former railway station. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Three Walks from the Plassey (Walks Series)
Three Walks from the Plassey (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
EYTON £2.50
From the Plassey Leisure Park with its shops, cafe, restaurant and golf course you can walk to the Boat Inn and the River Dee, Marchwiel, or Erddig.
Book cover for Family Walks in the North Wales Borderlands
Family Walks in the North Wales Borderlands by Gordon Emery
SOLD OUT
Gordon Emery is a dedicated walker and lover of the Borderlands. Some of these walks take us through completely wild country; others disclose former industrial sites now largely overgrown by nature. All of them reached the standard of satisfaction required by his two sons!
Book cover for Family Walks on the North Wales Coast
Family Walks on the North Wales Coast by Gordon Emery
with rainy day aternatives SOLD OUT
The North Wales Coast is a popular and scenic area. Gordon Emery, in his second book of Family Walks, explores the glorious countryside lying close to the popular resorts. All walks connect with public transport.
Book cover for A Taste of the Berwyns (Walks Series)
A Taste of the Berwyns (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
GLYNDYFRDWY £2.50
A walk of 2, 5, or 8 miles on the Berwyn Mountain Range, rising to the conifers of Coed Ty'n-y-graig, continuing over heather moorland on a packhorse trail as far as the Ceirog Forest. The return is by another trail descending to a disused quarry tramway and a beautiful walk along a stream, Nant-y-pandy, with its small but impressive waterfall. Double page map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Moel Morfydd (Walks Series)
Moel Morfydd (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
GLYNDYFRDWY £2.50
A walk of 5 or 7 miles round the valley with an option to climb to the summit of Moel Morfydd with spectacular views over Llantysilio Mountain and the Berwyn Range. Map, local information, illustrations, and list of spring flowering roadside plants.
Book cover for Pen-y-garth (Walks Series)
Pen-y-garth (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
GLYNDYFRDWY £2.50
A circular walk of 2.5 miles along forest tracks and quiet lanes around the woodland of Coed Pen-y-garth, with views of Glyndyfrdwy and the River Dee. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Gowy from Source to Sea, The
Gowy from Source to Sea, The by Pat Bradley
SOLD OUT
One man's walk along a Cheshire river passing by Peckforton, beeston, Bunbury, Hargrave, Huxley, Tarvin, Plemstall and Guilden Sutton.
Book cover for Guide to the Maelor Way
Guide to the Maelor Way by Gordon Emery
£9.95
The Maelor Way is a 24 mile/38 kilometre waymarked cross-country trail using public footpaths, lanes and a canal towpath. This guide includes directions for walking both ways, with detailed maps, points of interest and illustrations by the author.
Book cover for Graham Webster Gallery of Roman Stones at the Grosvenor Museum, Chester
Graham Webster Gallery of Roman Stones at the Grosvenor Museum, Chester by Roy Wilding
Explore the hidden mysteries of the lost Roman gravestones SOLD OUT
Over 150 tombstones from DEVA, Roman Chester, were found in the North wall of the city in the late 19th century. These are displaed at the award-winning Graham Webster Gallery of the Grosvenor Museum.
Book cover for A Welsh Mere & Holy Well (Walks series)
A Welsh Mere & Holy Well (Walks series) by Gordon Emery
HANMER £2.50
Two short circular walks with map and illustrations. The first is a 3 mile walk around Hanmer Mere, the second is slightly shorter and visits St Chad's Well. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Hidden Highways of Cheshire
Hidden Highways of Cheshire by R J A Dutton
Ten Circular Walks exploring Roman Roads, Salters £12.00
Cheshire's landscape unfolds as John Dutton takes you on a fascinating tour of ancient highways hidden by time and the changing use of the countryside. Compulsive walking on routes of three to eight miles with public transport, pubs and refreshment where possible.
Book cover for Hidden Highways of North Wales
Hidden Highways of North Wales by R J A Dutton
Ten Circular Walks exploring Roman Roads, Drovers £12.00
Layers of history unfold as John Dutton takes you on a fascinating tour of ancient highways now hidden by time and the changing use of the countyside. Walks range from 3 to 10 miles with public transport, pubs and refreshment where possible.
Book cover for Craig Uchaf, head of the berwyns (Walks Series)
Craig Uchaf, head of the berwyns (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
LLANDRILLO £2.50
A circular walk of 8 miles or an alternative 13 mile route visiting four peaks. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Llandyn Hall & Castell Dinas Bran (Walks Series)
Llandyn Hall & Castell Dinas Bran (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
LLANGOLLEN £2.50
A 2 mile climb to Dinas Bran, or 4 mile circular walk following the Vale of Llangollen towards Trevor, then approaching Castle Dinas Bran. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Pen-y-coed & Pengwern Vale (Walks Series)
Pen-y-coed & Pengwern Vale (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
LLANGOLLEN £2.50
An easy 3 mile circular walk through woodland, returning on a country lane to Plas Newydd. The house is open to the public in summer - the grounds are open all year. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for The High Path to Froncysyllte (Walks Series)
The High Path to Froncysyllte (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
LLANGOLLEN £2.50
A walk of 5 or 9 miles following trackways with panoramic views high above the Vale of Llangollen and returning along the lower hillside. Map, local information & illustrations.
Book cover for Vivod (Walks Series)
Vivod (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
LLANGOLLEN £2.50
A 5 or 3 mile walk with panoramic views of the mountains and valleys around Llangollen. There is a 5 mile extension to Y Foel. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Sontley Moor & Erddig (Walks series)
Sontley Moor & Erddig (Walks series) by Gordon Emery
MARCHWIEL £2.50
A walk of 3.5 or 5.5 miles traversing fields on an ancient path towards Sontley Mill, then turning north to pass, or visit, the nature reserve of Sontley Moor and the National Trust house at Erddig. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Bryn Golau & Penycloddiau (Walks Series)
Bryn Golau & Penycloddiau (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
MELIN Y WERN £2.50
An upland walk of of 9, 7, 5 or 2 miles mainly on green lanes in a quiet part of the Clwydian Range. The 9 mile route takes you to the summit of Penycloddiau. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Medieval Imagination in Chester Cathedrals
Medieval Imagination in Chester Cathedrals by Gordon Emery
Myth, Misericords, Mystery Plays, Midsummer Watch and the Green Man SOLD OUT
Dragons, griffins, a unicorn, wild men, green men, an imp, an elephant with hooves and stone carved heads. These are just some of the wonders of the medieval world that can be found in Chester Cathedral and the Church of St John, formerly Chester Cathedral. Gordon Emery's new book is a must for anyone interested in the history of Chester, the cathedral, or myths, legends and fantasies of medieval England. Local artist Jay Hurst has depicted the author as the green man on the cover.
Book cover for Miller of Dee
Miller of Dee by Roy Wilding
The Story of Chester Mills and Millers, their Trades and Wares, the Weir, the Water Engine and the Salmon. £12.00
The Story of Chester Mills and Millers, their Trades and Wares, the Weir, the Water Engine and the Salmon. 128 pages, fully illustrated.
Book cover for Moel Famau & Cilcain (Walks Series)
Moel Famau & Cilcain (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
PANTYMWYN, MOLD £2.50
A circular walk of 5 or 8 miles to the summit of Moel Famau and visiting Cilcain. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for The Leete Walk (Walks Series)
The Leete Walk (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
PANTYMWYN, MOLD £2.50
A mainly flat 5 or 2 mile walk along the Leete, through woodlands in limestone country following the River Alyn via Loggerheads Country Park. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Gop Hill & Trelawnyd (Walks Series)
Gop Hill & Trelawnyd (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
PRESTATYN £2.50
Walks of 7 or 3 miles with many viewpoints. Some historic buildings and a holy well are visited. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for River Clwyd & Rhuddlan Castle (Walks Series)
River Clwyd & Rhuddlan Castle (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
RHYL SOLD OUT
8 miles, or 4 if you return by bus, from Rhyl alongside the River Clwyd, with some interesting bird and plant life, to look at Rhuddlan Castle. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Old Roads to Ruthin (Walks Series)
Old Roads to Ruthin (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
RUTHIN £2.50
A circular walk of 4 or 7.5 miles, taking you along the line of a drovers' road across meadows to 'The Drover's Arms' in Rhewl, then following an old estate road through woodland, beside the River Clywedog. The route returns along a possible Roman road. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Underground Clwyd
Underground Clwyd by Cris Ebbs
The Armchair Explorers Guide £15.00
Take a fascinating tour into the mines, caverns and potholes of Northeast Wales - and all from the comfort of your armchair. Cris Ebbs, author of 'The Milwr Tunnel', will amaze you with pictures, facts and tales of the area's underground regions. The descriptions of the different types of caves, mines and mining will interest readers from all over Britain.
Book cover for Vale of Llangollen
Vale of Llangollen by Gordon Emery & John Roberts
£5.00
A network of 27 linked footpath routes between Chirk and the Horseshoe Falls exploring the valley of the River Dee and the hills.
Book cover for A Mountain Trek (Walks Series)
A Mountain Trek (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
WORLD SOLD OUT
11 miles, or 7 from World's End only over heather covered moors. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Ysceifiog Lake (Walks Series)
Ysceifiog Lake (Walks Series) by Gordon Emery
YSCEIFIOG £2.50
Undulating walks of 4 or 2 miles on green lanes, stone tracks and through beautiful woodlands, returning past the calm Ysceifiog Lake with possible extensions through two woodland reserves. Map, local information and illustrations.
Book cover for Sonnets to my Goddess in this life and the next
Sonnets to my Goddess in this life and the next by Philip Higson
(The Prize-Winning Volume Expanded) £12.00
This collection of sonnets to the poet's great Love began as a single-part one published in 1983, gained a David St. John Thomas award in 1996. After her tragically early passing ten years later it soon acquired a substantial second part. Higson, a former lecturer at Chester, has written more sonnets than Shakespeare.
Book cover for Ut Pictura Poesis: Pictorial Poems
Ut Pictura Poesis: Pictorial Poems by Philip Higson
£12.00
Look at centuries of art through the eyes of a poet. Transposing artefacts from some two thousand years of history, this collection of poetry includes such varied elements as classical and neo-classical paganism, religion as a source of inspiration and persecution, the eclectic abundance of nineteenth-century art, the challenge from photography and film.
Book cover for Poems on the Dee
Poems on the Dee by Philip Higson
£7.00
A collection of poems inspired by Chester's River Dee, commemorating a period when the author had accommodation 'worthy of a poet' in an old villa commanding a fine view of the Dee.
Book cover for Manichaean Contrasts
Manichaean Contrasts by Philip Higson
A Late Selection of Poetry SOLD OUT
With that heightened sense of chiaroscuro brought by advancing years, the poet here pays tribute to those places and people that have enriched and fortified and uplifted him, but also identifies the dehumanised void and its abettors which gapes as engulfingly as ever. At the end of this literary voyage however, like a beacon shining beyond darkness, waits the beautiful Goddess of his sonnets, relegated now to the spiritual dimension but safe at last, he prays, from degeneracy, jealousy, and treachery.
Book cover for Rollinat: poems from Les Névroses
Rollinat: poems from Les Névroses by Maurice Rollinat translated by Philip Higson
£12.00
This volume contains a hundred poems from the prolific French poet Maurice Rollinat's collection Les Névroses, translated into English and introduced by Philip Higson.