A guide book, a history book, a gazetteer, a sporting compendium, a natural history of the county, a dictionary of biography and a fund of factoids for the quiz fanatic, A Derbyshire Miscellany is all of these and much, much more. This book will appeal to all those interested in the county, or those who just like trivia. Mike’s previous books were very well supported by Radio Derby and the Derby Telegraph as well other local media. Here you will find an outline of the county’s history as well as information about castles, monasteries and stately homes. The lives of sporting celebrities are included as well as biographies of politicians, inventors, industrialists and war heroes. The silk mill, built at Derby in 1722, has a strong claim to being the world’s first factory and, in 1771 Richard Arkwright created a system of industrial production, which was copied throughout the world. These and other ‘Derbyshire Firsts’ are also described in the book. Anyone searching for essential facts will find them here including information about royal visits, the arts, wildlife and countryside and food and drink. Industry and economy are also mentioned with an outline of the development of local industries. A Derbyshire Miscellany is essential reading for anyone with an interest in or a connection with the county either as a resident, a tourist or a student of its history. It would make an ideal gift that would give pleasure for years to come.