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Greetings Town Crier.
I hope you might be interested to hear about the recent publication of my book,
For Crying Out Loud !
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The first part of the book traces the roles of the crier and the bellman as the forerunners of the newspaper, obituary column, lost-and-found notice, burglar alarm, smoke detector, night watchman, weather reporter, speaking clock, public address system, advertising hoarding, newsreader and outside broadcaster.
The story is then brought up-to-date by recounting some of the activities of a modern-day town crier. This is, I believe, the first time that the history of tricorne hats, buckled shoes and men-in-tights has been told in a full-length book.
I hope you will enjoy it.
It is a substantial book: ‘Royal’ format paperback (234mm high by 153mm wide),
40,000 words, 99 illustrations, 192 pages.
You can buy it on Amazon or order one directly from my website: www.chestertowncriers.com
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What they are saying about 'For Crying Out Loud ! '
“It’s an absolute treat. Full of interesting facts and anecdotes, impressively but never obtrusively learned, and absolutely bursting with good humour. It had me laughing out loud and positively purring at the general lightness of touch, self-irony, and sheer joie de vivre. The cover, photos and illustrations add to the charm, and if ever a book deserved to be on the best-seller list, this does. Who would have thought that town-crying could provide so much fun?”
(David Henry Wilson, author of The Coachman Rat)
“I have had the true pleasure of reading For Crying Out Loud - and I really enjoyed it. It's an excellent combination of fun and interesting facts. It was great to be able to relax and enjoy a good laugh, and learn stuff at the same time. It's a cracking read!”
(Peggy Burns, author of Famous Lives)
“It's impressive how much work you have done to work out the history of the subject; and then to present it in such an agreeable way! ”
(Edward Hussey, of xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />All Souls College, Oxford)
“This is just to say how much I enjoyed For Crying Out Loud. You are a fine comic writer - I am not often reduced to tears of laughter as I was on a number of occasions in particular the chapter with you attempting your proclamation on horseback! Terrific stuff and I shall be encouraging others to read it.”
(David Pott, Stone, Staffordshire)
“What an amazing journey you have been on to write this book. It is a fantastic piece of literature, well done. On reading this wonderful and important history of this ancient and honourable craft in ‘For Crying out Loud’, I have a new perception of what I do. I am standing on the shoulders of many other criers who have done and will continue to do important things in their community. I am a Town Crier and tonight I stand a little taller because of your book.
(Darren McCubbin, Town Crier of Sale)
“David writes well, is lucid, amusing and knowledgeable. His wife Julie’s illustrations are the perfect complement to David’s words and together this combination of talents makes for a most entertaining and informative book.”
(Alistair Chisholm (Town Crier of Dorchester)
“We get shown a lot of local interest books but it’s nice to see one that is so well produced. We will definitely stock this book.”
(Matt Harrap, Manager, Waterstones, Chester)
“One of the funniest books I have ever read!”
(Pam Dobson, Chester)
“Fantastic! I can’t praise it highly enough. It’s keeping me awake at night!”
(David Craner, Town Crier of Crewkerne)
“Fascinating . . . deeply researched . . . a credit to you and to town criers.”
(David Bull, Town Crier of Filey)
“Absolutely professional.”
(Michael Wood, Town Crier of the East Riding of Yorkshire)
“Excellent exposition and narrative, with a judicious mix of information and humour. I was impressed with the depth of research, and your ability to communicate in an engaging and enthralling manner. Your book is already the standard reference!”
(Geoff Sheasby, Town Crier of Pocklington)
“You’ve done a wonderful job!”
(John Whittle, Chester historian)
“I laughed my socks off!”
(Alan Myatt, Town Crier of Gloucester)
“The historical content is well described in an easy manner and with much gentle humour. His experiences and anecdotes as Chester's Town Crier caused me to giggle a lot, and his dealings with Sooty brought tears to my eyes!”
(John R. Stevens, Bellman to the Common Council of the Burgess of Alnwick)
“It was fascinating to read how David has pulled so many errant threads together to weave a wonderful tapestry.”
(Betty Kading, Town Crier of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada)
“If you have any interest in the tradition of the town crier or bellman, this is the book for you.”
(Owen Collier, Town Crier of Wootton Bassett)
Yours in ringing tones,
David Mitchell
Town Crier of Chester
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