NEXT Monday sees the relaunch of a popular local book: Old Saundersfoot - From Monkstone to Marros.
Written by well-known Pembrokeshire author Roscoe Howells, the book was first published in 1977, with the early editions now eagerly sought-after collectors' items.
For this revised edition, however, Roscoe has again collected many evocative pictures of an age and people no longer with us, and the many passing references will speak for themselves as to his qualifications to write such a book.
Born in Saundersfoot in 1919, and brought up there during the years of depression when Bonville's Court colliery closed down, Roscoe Howells is but one of the many whose ancestors came from Amroth parish where he lives.
Like the stock from which he springs, his style is simple and uncomplicated, and his insight keen and perceptive.
As the distinguished Welsh historian, Professor Sir Glanmor Williams, has said in the foreword to this latest publication: "Roscoe Howells is the author of a number of delightful books about some of his favourite places in the charming county of his birth, all of which have won him many admirers and given them deep delight. I am one those aficionados, and Old Saundersfoot is one of my favourites, which has always given me, and many other people, immense pleasure.
"I gratefully salute the wisdom of Gwasg Gomer in deciding to publish a reprint of it, which I have no doubt will be received with real enthusiasm. I commend it heartily to all and any of those readers who revel in a warm, understanding 'insider's' portrait of a picturesque locality and its distinctive inhabitants in days gone by. May it sell well and as widely as Roscoe's unique talents so thoroughly merit."
Appropriately, the relaunch is due to be celebrated with a party at the St. Brides Hotel, Saundersfoot, today (Friday), when a number of personalities are expected to attend.
The author, meanwhile, will be holding signing sessions on Saturday, November 1, from 10 am - 12 noon at Saundersfoot Information Centre and from 2 to 5 pm at Tenby Book Shop.
As mentioned above, the book is published and printed by Gomer Press, of Llandyssul, Ceredigion, and is priced at £14.99.