‘An exploration of Dartmoor and its antiquities’, (1889) by John Lloyd Warden Page
A facsimile of the original book
Alongside general descriptions of the topography of Dartmoor, this charming volume also delves into the history, customs and archaeology of the area, before we follow the author on foot as he explores ‘our great mountain moorland’ between the Exe and the Tamar. His journey takes him to many locations, from Okehampton to Cosdon Beacon (or Cawsand Beacon), to Tavistock, Princetown, Manaton and Yelverton, with illustrations by A. Dawson, developed from Page’s own sketches. The Somerset-born author also published a similar work exploring Exmoor, as well as a study of Devon’s rivers.
Mr. Page divides his book into four quarters, after the points of the compass, probably as convenient a method as could have been followed, after giving a preliminary account of the Moor, its history, its customs, the life of its inhabitants, its legends, and its antiquities. Few readers will be prepared for the very large variety of topics which a thorough exploration of the Moor, of its past and its present, suggests to an observer who, like Mr. Page, brings both enthusiasm and industry to his task. Possibly here and there a local expert may find an omission, or even an error; but it may safely be said that few people know as much about the whole Moor as does Mr. Page. His book is illustrated with some good etchings. (316 pages)
Price range: £5.00 through £7.00
