Newmarket From James I to the Present Day by Laura Thompson lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.
Virgin, 2000, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Facsimiles; Colour Photographs;
From the cover: From the first recorded race run on its heath in 1622, to the present day, in which thoroughbreds worth millions of pounds are trained and bred on its land, Newmarket remains the unchallenged home of racing. Although the sport lives at its heart, Newmarket is not just a story of horses and courses. It is the story of one of the most singular towns in Britain, and of the many people who have fallen under its spell. In its atmosphere, its rare dedication of purpose, Newmarket is as different as can be from the homogenised shopping centres that most of our towns have become. History is as close to the surface as a racegoers nerves; it is present in every street, every pub, every trainers yard and, of course, on the Heath itself, which runs alive with ghosts. And it is a history as rich, concentrated and diverse as the history of the thoroughbred itself.
Racing is the Sport of Kings, and the royal connection with Newmarket has been a powerful bond since 1605. Charles II rode a winner there in the 1671 Town Plate. The present Queen has long had horses trained in the town. In 1953, before her coronation, she was asked how preparations were going; Yes, Aureole is working very well, thank you, she replied, referring to her horse, who would soon after come second in the Derby. But the Queen herself would agree that the only true monarch of Newmarket is the thoroughbred.
Laura Thompson looks into the life of Newmarket, past and present, and reveals a portrait of the town that is both authoritative and informal. Her passion for the sport for its romance, its glamour, its excitement, but also for its resolutely undemocratic nature makes this a unique and entertaining history.
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Price Clipped. Gently bruised at the head of the spine and the top corners of the boards with commensurate wear to the dust wrapper which is faded at the leading edges. Text complete, clean and tight.
Green boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 341 pages. Index. 9½” x 6¼”.
This book will be eventually reach my delightful website…(added to my History Individual Organisations category.) but get 60% off buying from this very blog blog… Buy it now for just £2.60 + P&P! Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
BookLovers of Bath 