Gordon Emery Books - Local Interest Chester, Cheshire, and North Wales Books

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.

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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHESTER Inside Out by Gordon Emery A walk around the ancient walled city including maps &amp; 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roman Roads of North East Wales and Cheshire by RJA Dutton New Discoveries £9.99 The late R J A Dutton self-published his research in this interesting book. As an amateur in the field he went to great lengths to verify his ideas with digs and photos, reporting finds to the authorities. He also used his own form of English Grammar but this does not detract from the real finds in the book.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Underground Clwyd by Cris Ebbs The Armchair Explorers £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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.