This book is a bit bonkers. It purports to give the origins of the Rimmer family and by way of doing so draws in the lost tribes of Israel, Vikings, King Arthur, Robin Hood, the creation of the Russian nation, the discovery of America and various other historical milestones. All very entertaining, if implausible.

When it turns to local history and the author's reminiscences of his childhood in the centre of "Rimmerdom", Southport, Lancashire, then it is a very good and interesting narrative. Lots of old photos add to the charm of this idiosyncratic little volume. ( )