Brighton

Description

A book about the history of Brighthelmstone (as it was formerly known) published in 1935 is interesting in itself, given how dramatically the city has developed since then. When the author is none other than society wit and author Osbert Sitwell (brother of eccentric saloniste and poet Edith), the reader is clearly in for a treat. Sitwell wrote this book with Margaret Barton, both providing the sorts of insights into the activities of the Royal Family in Brighton as only those on familiar terms with them could – indeed, the acknowledgments thank the then King, George V, for his help. The book focuses principally on the Prince Regent’s transformation of Brighton from fishing village to pleasure ground, but also takes in the more ordinary aspects of the city like the horse racing and sea bathing. This is the first edition in fair condition.