Two Thousand Years in Exeter

by W.G. Hoskins

When the Romans came to Britain, the people of Exeter were already waiting for them. Hoskin's original text of 1960 has been updated to include recent developments, but his affection for Exeter is undiminished. Located in prime territory, Exeter became familiar to Saxons and Normans as well as Romans. It founded its own university and hospital in due course, survived sieges in the Civil War, and became a center for printing and commerce. Hoskin's poignant recall of the burning of the city by Nazi bombs is balanced by Harvey's account of how the city brought itself to modernity in its rebuilding. Harvey also includes a comprehensive list of further reading about Exeter and the accomplishments of its people. Distributed in the US by the David Brown Book Company. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Genres: History

164 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1970

Reviews

[Paul Charles Radio Show · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book and Hoskin's brilliant account of the history of Exeter is brought to life.

Hoskins clearly has a love of the City and is not shy in voicing his opinions. Two examples of which are Hoskins accounts of the awful nature of much of post war development in Exeter and how the City has been enaslved by the domination of the motor-car . The latter which is still very pertenient and relevant point with the current debates on road traffic calming schemes in Exeter and elsewhere.

I was somewhat disappointed in the new additional chapter by Hazel Harvey which attempts to bring the book up to date , this appears well meaning and artculates some good ideas , but it seemed a little rushed and unfinished in places.

Don't get me wrong this is still a must read for anybody interested in the history of Exeter.