Hexton: A Parish Survey

[6], x, 201, portrait frontis, 13 b/w plates, large folding col map tipped in at front + 10 other maps (some col). . HB. 8vo, orig. blue cloth, gilt title to spine, minor bumps to corners. Fore edge uncut. Errata slip tipped in opposite p. x. Vg. Loosely inserted is a signed ms letter from the editor to a purchaser, 'Please find herewith a copy of the village school's survey of Hexton. If it adds a modicum of interest and pleasure to your future visits to this ideal village I shall be am ply repaid.'. Made and compiled by the senior scholars of the Herts. C. C. School, Hexton. Edited by Ralph J. Whiteman (Headmaster). With Foreword by R.L. Hine. Privately published. A well-produced book. The aim of the survey was to obtain as wide a knowledge as possible of the parish of Hexton, Hertfordshire, and to revise and collect together in a tangible form records of the parish which have been made during the thirty-five years prior to its publication. Chapters include: Geology, Climate, Flora and Fauna, including David Waugh's observations of bird-life of the parsh during his residence there, Agriculture, Industries, People, The Village, Hexton Park, St. Faith's Church, The School, Ravensburgh Castle, Ancient Customs, Field Names, etc. 'This book does not pretend to be entirely the work of the children: a volume of such length and diversity is beyond any elementary school child. The actual composition of the chapters has been done by four methods: a few of them are original compositions; a few are summaries of longer works compiled by the able scholars; the majority have been the result of oral composition .; the remainder were put together by the teacher from facts collected by the class in general. To the original work have been added sevedral chapters, the research involved in their production being beyond the children, whilst a few of the other chapters have been lengthened.' - Editor's Introduction.