R. W. Ketton-Cremer (1906–1969)

In general, this book is a history of a particular estate near the Norfolk coast, and the families that have lived there. The advantages in this book are that it is very pleasantly chatty, and obviously a work of love; the more so since the author does not appear to have been a professional historian. There's obvious emotion hidden behind the text describing the death of the author's brother in Crete in 1941. It's not quite what it's advertised to be, in that while the history of the house (Felbrigg) is covered quite a bit, the biographies of its owners and occupants do take up more space. While there is a very good map, astonishingly, the edition I have has no pictures or house-plans whatsoever, which seems like a major flaw in a history devoted to a particular building. Still, well worth reading if you love family histories.… (mere)

During the English Civil War the Astleys (a Norfolk family of some note) were politically divided. Jacob fought for the king while Edward, his nephew and son-in-law fought for Parliament. Elizabeth, their daughter/cousin/wife was stuck in the middle. This book prints a number of their letters from the war and the following years. Interestingly, or rather, not interestingly they seem to have got along. Edward avoids any politically charged statements in his letters to his wife and must have trusted her as he openly tells her of impending troop movements. Presumably she could be trusted as the Cavaliers lost. The letters are set in a sketched narrative framework of family life and the course of the war. It's a little glimpse behind the scenes of history.

Ketton-Cremer had it privately printed in 1958 and sent it as a Christmas card to his friends. As such it is the best Christmas card I've ever read. This edition (Larks Press) sets the original text in an editorial framework by David Yaxley which charts the further fortunes of the family and the building work they had done on their house. Rather dull.… (mere)