The Best Non-Fiction Books About Cornwall
If you’re looking for a cosy Cornwall retreat this Winter, we know exactly what to suggest. Many of our cottages have gorgeous woodburning stoves and picturesque ceiling beams to make you feel quintessentially cosy! All you need to complete the scene is a good book.
As well as our recommendations of novels set in Cornwall, we’ve got a great list of topical non-fiction books that you’ll love reading during your holiday cottage stay…
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
One of the most celebrated and easily-readable Cornish books to be published in recent years is Raynor Winn’s heart-warming tale of her walk around the South West Coast Path with her husband Moth. Starting out homeless and in ill-health, the couple walk because they don’t know what else to do. By the end of their journey, their recovery is remarkable and Raynor Winn has since gone on to write two other books about their adventures and connection to British nature: The Wild Silence and Landlines.
Lost Lanes West by Jack Thurston
A cycling guide to the South West, this book inspires a more active holiday with detailed descriptions of suggested rides and accompanying photography. Five of the rides are in Cornwall, with ‘Falmouth Hinterland’ being our closest. If you’re inspired to hire bikes, or bring your own whilst on holiday here, many of our cottages have suitable places to store them – just ask for details when you book!
The Levelling Sea by Philip Marsden
An exploration of Falmouth through the lens of its famous port, this book focuses on our local town and guides you through its history. Did you know that Falmouth is the third deepest natural harbour in the world? It is also famous for being the start or finish point of various ‘round the world’ record breaking voyages.
Passionate about local history, Philip Marsden has also written ‘Rising Ground’ which explores the myths and historic sites of Cornwall, travelling from his remote creekside farmhouse and heading out towards Lands End.
“I read the book whilst holidaying in Cornwall, so I could visit some of the places he writes so evocatively about. Recommended.”
Trelawny’s Cornwall by Petroc Trelawney
The BBC 3 presenter with the most Cornish name we’ve ever heard of takes a personal pilgrimage back home to Cornwall and explores all the places he grew up – from churches to rivers to contemporary culture, the book is a gentle journey through past and present:
‘I can’t think of a more enjoyable or more illuminating guide to Cornwall than Petroc Trelawny, who knows it intimately, loves it deeply, and shares it generously’ – Rv. Richard Coles
The Draw of the Sea by Wyl Menmuir
Wyl Menmuir is a local Falmouth resident, and he writes about the ways in which the sea becomes undeniably intertwined with our lives if we are lucky enough to live near to it. His book explores historical tales of the sea as well as contemporary stories of coastal life in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Expect plenty of beachcombing and beautiful descriptions of the natural world…
“The Draw of the Sea is a beautifully written and inspiring exploration of different people – from fishermen to conservationists and from boat builders to surfers – whose lives revolve around and have been shaped by the sea.” – Waterstones
Dark, Salt, Clear by Lamorna Ash
A 22-year-old Social Anthropology student leaves London and moves to the fishing town of Newlyn to document what life is like there for people in 2018. She joins an offshore fishing crew for an eight-day journey on the ‘Filadelfia’ trawler, and Dark, Salt, Clear is an open and revealing story about the sense of community and weight of old traditions in this very special Cornish town.
“Lamorna Ash is a beautiful prose stylist-precise, perceptive, humane and sensitive-who somehow manages to write in a way that is both earthy and poetic. Her debut book-full of fish and blood and salt and oilskins-marks the birth of a new star of non-fiction.” — William Dalrymple
Newlyn is about an hour’s drive from most of our cottages, as is the famous Lamorna Cove, the author’s namesake!
Wild Swimming Walks Cornwall by Matt Newbury & Sophie Price
This is more of a ‘dip in’ book (excuse the pun!) giving inspiration and practical guides for where to swim during a day out walking in Cornwall. Beautiful photos and bullet-point information helps you to choose where to visit to get your dose of cold-water therapy, along with little descriptions of each location listed. Perfect for those seeking a little more adventure than the local swim spots near Falmouth!
As always, we totally recommend popping into The Falmouth Bookseller for personalised recommendations on local books, or for any style of holiday reading whilst staying in your holiday cottage! What better way to relax after a day out exploring the coast or eating out in one of our fabulous local pubs?
We’re here to help
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your holiday requirements
Call us on 01326 375972
or
Complete a Booking Enquiry Form