Pamela Shields's new book, a compendium of fascinating Hertfordshire facts, is an introduction to the county aimed at residents, visitors and tourists. Home to many 'firsts', such as the English Pope, the Garden City and the New Town, Hertfordshire was also home to many famous people, from King Offa to Laurence Olivier, George Orwell, Graham Greene and Henry Moore — all of whom are featured here. This is where England's crown was surrendered to WIlliam the Conqueror and where a Frenchwoman and a Welshman started the Tudor dynasty. Among the county's geniuses are Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, Sir Jon Sulston and Sir Stephen Hawking. Peculiar survivals such as the Herfordshire Spike and Herfordshire Puddingstone are included, as are urban myths, local legends and much more.
