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Synopsis
This powerful collection of short stories of the supernatural combines L.T.C. Rolt’s writing talent with his unparalleled knowledge of Britain’s industrial heritage to produce tales of real mystery and imagination.
This haunting anthology takes the reader on a journey from Cornwall to Wales and from the hill country of Shropshire to the west coast of Ireland. ‘The House of Vengeance’, set in the Black Mountains of South Wales, tells what happens when a walker becomes lost and disorientated as the mist falls, while in ‘The Gartside Fell Disaster’ an old railwayman recounts the terrible night when the “Mountaineer” came to grief. Alongside these are twelve other tales of elemental fears and strange and inexplicable happenings.
First published in 1948, this enduring collection will appeal to all those who, like Tom Rolt, are passionate about the backdrop of our industrial landscape, but will also delight and terrify anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned ghost story.
2010 is the centenary of L T C Rolt's birth
L T C Rolt was one of the first narrative historians, an industrial pioneer and preservationist. During his life he was fundamental in establishing and promoting canals, waterways and railways. He was one of the first people in modern Britain to draw attention to the value of our canals as a means of transport and a source of pleasure. As well as his interest in canals he also turned his attention to neglcted railways and set up the first organisation to save and run a railway with a mainly volunteer workforce.
Listed below are some of the key events that are taking place throughout 2010 as part of the centenary.
- Saturday 26th June-30th August: exhibition at The Herbert Museum and Art Gallery, Coventry dedicated to Robert Longden's photographs from A Canal People
- 26th-27th June: Tom Rolt Centenary Celebration Rally. Chester is dedicating a weekend to Tom Rolt, as his birthplace. There will be a display of canal boats, stalls, rally of vintage cars, brass band and lots of other fun activities
- 7th-8th August: Prescott Hill Climb, Prescott Estate, Gloucestershire - The Bugatti Owners Club will be hosting a special event in honour of Tom Rolt
- 28th-30th August: The Rolt Cruise and the Inland Waterways National Festival and Boat Show - Tom Rolt was the founder of the Inland Waterways Association and they are throwing a special weekend celebration in honour of his centenary at Beale Park, Pangbourne, Berkshire. This is the culmination of their special events to celebrate Tom and there will be displays of canal boats and activities. Timothy West will be opening the event
- 8th-17th October: Cheltenham Literary Festival - There will be events dedicated to Tom Rolt (who was also instrumental in the early days of the festival). Prunella Scales and Timothy West will be talking and signing books about Tom
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