BRIDGE BOOKSHOP

Order your maps and guides before visiting the Isle of Man...

Isle of Man Ordnance Survey Map

£8.99

OS Map of Isle of Man. 1:50,000 scale. Has entire Island on one sheet. Ideal for exploring the Isle of Man.

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Isle of Man Outdoor Leisure Map

£7.00

Two detailed maps of the Isle of Man in full colour, scale 1:25,000

The two maps come in a plastic wallet. A quarter of the Island on each side of the 2 maps. A great level of detail helping you find small footpaths not shown on OS map.

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Isle of Man Tourist Map and Street Plan

£4.99

Detailed map of the Isle of Man showing the principle tourist sites and attractions.

It also includes maps of major towns

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All Round Guide to the Isle of Man

£5.95

This covers all you want to know about visiting and exploring the Isle of Man. A-Z gazetteer of towns and villages, car tours, street plans and places to visit and places to eat.

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The Spectator Guide to The Isle of Man’s Big 3 Race Events

£3.50

TT, Festival of Motorcycling and the Southern 100

Famous the world over for events which began in 1907, the Isle of Man continues to hold a very special place in the history and development of motorcycle road racing. And now, with the help of this expert and highly informative new guide for spectators covering the TT, Festival of Motorcycling and the Southern 100 – you can maximise your enjoyment of experiencing not only all aspects of the races themselves but also the fun, festivities, camaraderie and enduring friendships they generate.

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Bridge Bookshop Book Club, next meeting...

Bridge Bookshop Ramsey Book Club
Saturday 15 June 2019
2.30 pm, Ramsey Park Hotel
Book for June meeting will be...
"Normal People"
by Sally Rooney

WINNER OF THE COSTA NOVEL AWARD 2018
LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2018
ONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2019
Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins.

Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't.

TO ATTEND BOOK CLUB, PLEASE PURCHASE YOUR BOOK FROM BRIDGE BOOKSHOP, AVAILABLE AT 20% DISCOUNT, THIS IS YOUR TICKET TO THE EVENT

Normal People by Sally Rooney JUNE BOOK CLUB

£8.99 £7.19

BRIDGE BOOKSHOP BOOK CLUB CHOICE FOR JUNE 2019

Connell and Marianne grow up in the same small town in the west of Ireland, but the similarities end there. In school, Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when the two strike up a conversation - awkward but electrifying - something life-changing begins.

Normal People is a story of mutual fascination, friendship and love. It takes us from that first conversation to the years beyond, in the company of two people who try to stay apart but find they can't.

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New Isle of Man titles...

NEW! Power, Poles & Platelaying: Keeping the Manx Electric Railway on Track by George Hobbs

£19.95

Published 18/4/2019

Paperback, A4

The Manx Electric and Snaefell Mountain Railways are famed for being pioneering ventures in electric traction in the British Isles. Over the years their fleets of historic trams have continued in service with relatively few apparent changes.

The infrastructure which supports their operation is a very different matter. Developing technology, modern techniques, and changing attitudes to the working environment have all affected the operation and maintenance of the heritage railways. The Victorian and Edwardian tramcars have changed little in appearance, but are now supported by twenty-first century railway practices.

This book examines the civil, structural and electrical engineering needed to support the railways. It covers the railway as originally constructed, major upgrades and continuing maintenance, and includes some of the details of the changing circumstances and regulations in which these well-loved railways continue to operate.

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M is for MANX CAT! An Isle of Man ABC by Gemma Hjerth and Kim Gee

£7.99

Paperback

Gift Wrap available in Blue or Red with Manx patterns - see options

Manx ABC Poster available for £3.50 - see options

An informative, interactive and wonderfully illustrated celebration of Our Island.

It will appeal to young children, early readers and Isle of Man enthusiasts from near and far away.

You can even listen to the Manx translations in the book at www.isleofmanabc.com

Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a colourful, digital illustration of an Isle of Man icon, a rhyming couplet and a Manx translation and pronunciation.

The book also features:

• A full page of Manx Gaelic translations and pronunciations, provided by Culture Vannin (with sound files of these to listen to at www.isleofmanabc.com)

• Four Manx Songs (the Manx National Anthem, The Laxey Wheel Song, Ramsey Town and Hunt the Wren)

• Two pages of interesting facts about the Isle of Man

• A little wren to hunt for

• Lots of Three Legs of Man to count!

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Isle of Man At War 1939-45 by Matthew Richardson

£12.99

Published mid October 2018

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Frank 'n' Stan's Bucket List #3 Isle 'Le Mans' TT: Featuring Guy Martin by J C Williams

£11.99

The Gang is back for another crazy adventure.The idea of the maverick racer, Dave Quirk, winning a TT was as probable as a seaside donkey winning the Grand National… But he'd been trying to do exactly that.

An unlikely victory would also secure the TT Farm for Frank and Stan’s charity, but it was a crumbling, financial black hole and filled with asbestos. Dave and Monty quitting their jobs to work there wasn’t fantastic timing, either. The charity needed a truckload of cash, and fast.

They had to go big on their fundraising ideas, so, the Isle of Man – home of the famous TT Races – would play host to a twenty-four-hour racing extravaganza and they’d need a high-profile celebrity for maximum exposure.

The object of Stella’s darkest desire, Guy Martin, was kidnapped was willing and eager to offer his services for the inaugural Isle ‘Le Mans’ TT.

They were full of good intentions, but, as usual, the path was rarely smooth for Team Frank and Stan.

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Shop by category...

Isle of Man - Maps & Guides

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Isle of Man TT

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Manx Books for Children

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Manx History

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Manx Language, Literature & Culture

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Isle of Man - Photography & General Interest

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Isle of Man - Natural History

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Manx Music

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Manx Transport

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New Vinyl Albums

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Study Guides / Education

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Isle of Man Calendars

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New Manx Books...

Eyes of Mann

£19.99

by Charles Guard, Miles Cowsill

Hardback

Over 200 photographs

This new book from Lily Publications will show the Isle of Man as you never seen it before with views from a drone camera. The book will illustrate not only the rugged coast, towns, villages but also many of the historical sites of the Island. All the pictures will be complemented with captions for each view with supporting text by local Manx broadcaster, film-maker and editor Charles Guard and Miles Cowsill a local photographer, writer and publisher.

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Friend or Foe

£18.95

The fascinating story of women’s internment during WWII in Port Erin and Port St Mary, Isle of Man. Published by Rushen Heritage Trust in association with Lily Publications.

HOW WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT VIEWS MANAGED TO “RUB ALONG TOGETHER”.

How did seven different people, most of whom had never met before, come together to write the first ever book on Womens’ Internment in WW2?

They are members of Rushen Heritage Trust in the Isle of Man, and became fascinated by the remarkable people connected with the unique Rushen Womens’ Camp in 1940 – 45: how locals and internees lived together in the same houses, forming many friendships, some lifelong; how they were all encircled by a barbed wire perimeter, including shops, houses, schools and beaches; why most internees wanted Britain to win the War; their hopes, fears, courage, and enterprise; the unique gender situation – at times over 85% of the total population in the two seaside towns of Port Erin and Port St. Mary were female; how the Camp was run by Manx landladies, with light touch governance from police and civil servants.

Somehow, like the seven authors who soon became friends, but often engaged in animated debate, the locals and women internees – German/Jewish refugees from Nazi oppression, Germans and Austrians who had lived peacefully in Britain for many years, a minority of committed Nazis, Fascists – all managed to “Rub along together”. The question was, who was friend and who was foe?

The authors interviewed locals who still retained vivid memories of Camp W, found much new information on the under – researched topic of WW2 Women’s Internment, and soon realised that the story addressed important universal themes of continuing relevance today – immigration, injustice, gender, tolerance, diversity, the nature of friendship, the ability to adapt to inequity and loss, and , most of all, the triumph of human values in difficult situations.

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A Brief History of the Isle of Man (Extensively Revised Edition)

£12.95

by Sara Goodwins
Available from 10 March 2017, this revised edition has been updated with new text and new photos and provides an excellent summary of Manx history.

With parliamentary traditions introduced by Vikings, the Isle of Man was the first country to give women the vote. Much of its public transport hasn’t changed since Victoria was on the throne, yet the island is fifth in the space race. Famed for its motorbike racing and tailless cats, it’s still traditional to greet the little people when crossing Fairy Bridge.

In the middle of the Irish Sea, and the centre of westbound sea trade, Mann has been drawn into the politics of the surrounding islands, yet maintains its own traditions, language and way of life.

It is this proud history of the Manx and their island which this book celebrates.

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Isle of Man Transport by Martin Jenkins

£25.00

Published Sept 2017

A Colour Journey in Time : Steam Railways, Ships, and Road Services Buses

This stunning selection of colour views, dating from the period 1953-1980, includes most of the vessels operated during this period by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and The Ramsey Steamship Company. Passenger boats and freighters are seen at ports on the island and on the mainland. There is comprehensive coverage of the Peel, Ramsey and Port Erin lines operated by the Isle of Man Railway with some outstanding views taken during the 1950s, together with excellent portraits of most of the locomotives, as well carriages, vans, wagons, lorries, stations, staff and signal boxes.

Also covered are Douglas Station and its environs, St John's junction and the Sunday 'specials' to Braddan. Many of the rich mix of bus types operated by the railway subsidiary, Isle of Man Road Services, are seen in a variety of locations. Included are some of the vehicles delivered just before and shortly after the Second World War.

There are good views of the fascinating Ramsey Pier Tramway and its unusual rolling stock, as well as rare scenes taken as early as 1953 on the Groudle Glen Railway. For anyone who loves the Isle of Man and its wealth of vintage transport, this book provides a remarkable trip down memory lane and a colourful reminder of some of its lost glories. The book is dedicated to the memory of John McCann who took brilliant colour views on the island starting in 1953.

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Isle of Man At War 1939-45 by Matthew Richardson

£12.99

Published mid October 2018

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For the Love of Manx Kippers

£12.95

The Ups and Downs of Commercial Fishing in the Isle of Man.

Renowned fishing writer Mike Smylie takes a long hard look at the Manx

fishing industry. Following a brief historical overview we are led on an

enthusiast’s journey through the specialist areas that make fishing on

the Isle of Man so important and unique, with particular reference to

those most local of delicacies, Manx Kippers and Queenies. The author’s

affection and understanding of his subject make this a very personal

story as well as being of interest to anyone with a love for things Manx.

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Isle of Man Transport in the 1970s by David Christie

£14.99

Published 15/8/2018

Starting with a day trip (by air from Blackpool) in 1970, this book covers the rest of the decade with visits in 1971, 1972, 1976 and 1979. The island was a fascinating place for a transport enthusiast, with the traditional Douglas Corporation buses, horse tramway, Manx Electric Railway and the steam railway - not forgetting the Snaefell Railway and the lovely old Steam Packet Co. ships.

These traditional ships were the main loss in later years, but changes had also occurred prior to David's final visit, with the loss of the Douglas livery (all buses now being under a `National' fleetname) and the rationalisation of Douglas railway station. With a range of interesting views and fascinating subject matter, Isle of Man Transport in the 1970s will appeal both to those who have visited the island and general transport enthusiasts.

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Frank 'N' Stan's Bucket List #2: TT Races by J C Williams

£10.99

Frank’s too busy enjoying life just now to worry about dying.

Bucket list item №1 for Frank and his oldest friend, Stan, was the TT Races. They did it, and loved it so much, that now they’re heading back for item №2 on the list – TT Races yet again!

The fledgeling race team they’d cobbled together on their first outing – despite moments of definite glory – didn’t exactly thrive. But, despite this, they’ve once again secured the trusty services of Dave and Monty – the two most out of shape, yet passionate and dedicated, racers in the paddock – and they’re optimistically eyeing a top ten finish.

With his unhappy marriage and wallet-draining ex-wife now firmly in the past, Frank is ready for a positive change – time and health permitting. Life in the glorious Isle of Man has rejuvenated him, and he’s now eager, in fact, to make it his home. But he’s not going anywhere unless his mate Stan’s coming, too!

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Frank 'n' Stan's Bucket List #1: TT Races by J C Williams

£10.99

by Isle of Man based author, J C Williams

Frank’s had better days…

The doctor gave him the news he didn't want and Frank's discovered the worst kept secret in Liverpool; that his wife’s fitness instructor is providing her services that extend beyond the gym.

With time a dwindling commodity, Frank decides it’s time to do something he wants to do. With a little encouragement from his oldest friend, Stan, the first destination for his ‘bucket-list’ is the Isle of Man TT Races.

They were content to just spectate, but fate had other ideas.

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Return to Isle of Man Transport : Manx Electric, Snaefell & the Buses and Trams of Douglas Corporation

£30.00

by by Jenkins Martin, Roberts Charles

Hardback 208 pages, 200 colour photographs and maps

This is the second book by Martin Jenkins and Charles Roberts, about transport in the Isle of Man. The first volume covered the railway network, where as this new volume covers all other forms, road, rail, sea and air operations. The book is illustrated, using previously unpublished rare early colour pictures, from the Online Transport Archive, which holds over a million transport images.

Both the authors have managed to collect together some truly interesting and often stunning pictures, from a period when colour coverage of transport subjects was almost non existent.

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Involuntary Guests

£21.50

by Alan Franklin.
Enemy Aliens and Political Detainees on the Isle of Man in World War 2
From the commencement of their deliberations the War Emergency Committee have also impressed on the Imperial Government … the desirability of obtaining an Alien Internment Camp”
The Second World War radically changed the Isle of Man accelerating its movement towards becoming the self-governing Crown Dependency that it is today. With a peak of around 15,000 internees and detainees held and with navy, army and air force bases the effect on the civilian population and the economy of the Island was profound.
Alan Franklin brings to life a wide range of detail from personal papers, accounts and published sources long forgotten or hidden away in surprising locations. An essential guide to those whose relatives were interned as well as the researcher into this fascination period of the Islands history.
“In the camp we were always looking for something that would break the monotony. One day they caught a seagull, so the internees coloured one wing red and one green, so that we had the Italian flag flying over our camp (green, white and red).”
About the author
Born in Devon but resident of the Isle of Man for 25 years Alan Franklin is a retired Chartered Librarian with over 40 years’ experience of working in libraries, for 23 years he was librarian at the Manx Museum in Douglas and met with and corresponded with numerous former internees and researchers into Internment, this book draws on that knowledge.

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Manx Crosses by David Wilson

£18.00

Manx Crosses: A Handbook of Stone Sculpture 500 – 1040 in the Isle of Man

The carved stone crosses of the Isle of Man of the late fifth to mid-eleventh century are of national and international importance. They provide the most coherent source for the early history of Christianity in the Island, and for the arrival and conversion of Scandinavian settlers in the last century of the Viking Age – a century which produced some the earliest recognisable images of the heroes and gods of the North; earlier, indeed, than those found in Scandinavia. This, the first general survey of the material fro more than a century, provides a new view of the political and religious connections of the Isle of Man in a period of great turmoil in the Irish Sea region. The book also include an up-to-date annotated inventory of the monuments.

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One Horse Power The Douglas Bay Tramway since 1876

£16.95

By Barry Edwards

Lily Publications

Hardback 96 pages

Due to be published October 2018. Available to pre-order

The Douglas Bay Horse Tramway opened on 7 August 1876, just over 142 years ago, at a time when tourism on the Island was flourishing and the tramway went from strength to strength, being extended several times and with an ever increasing fleet of trams and horses.

Through two World Wars, financial crises, declining passenger numbers and in more recent times, abandoned by Douglas Corporation, the tramway has emerged into Government ownership, with refurbished trams and a planned complete relay of the track, as part of the Douglas Promenade refurbishment, albeit with a single track with passing loops, from Esplanade Lane to the Sea Terminal.

There are also plans for a new car shed on the existing site at Derby Castle. Perhaps most importantly, visitors and residents alike will be able to enjoy the delights of this Victorian tramway for many years to come. This book endeavours to tell the story with an informative text and a wealth of illustrations, many not previously published. Maps and a complete fleet list are included.

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Manx Tholtans Volume 2 by Ray Kelly

£19.95

Published 7 October 2017

In this second photographic essay, photographer and local historian Ray Kelly revisits more hidden ‘Tholtans’ (a Manx word describing the ruins of old homes). This new work is further complemented by some of the author’s colourful retelling of local stories and fables. The author’s passion for his subject matter shines through as these incredibly photogenic buildings, most of which are well off the beaten track, offer a glimpse of genuine Manx culture and heritage from times that are fast disappearing into history.

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Manx Tholtans Volume 3 by Ray Kelly

£21.95

by Ray Kelly

Published September 2018

In his third photographic journey, Manx photographer and local historian Ray Kelly once again presents us with his uniquely attractive images of a time which is both long past and yet reverberates with nostalgia and familiarity. Discover further hidden Manx ‘Tholtans’ (a local word describing the ruins of old homes). The author’s vivid mythologised stories of almost forgotten people and events add an extra layer of realism to these images which are alive with history.

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A Guide to the Archaeological Sites of the Isle of Man

£14.99

Published

by Andrew Johnson and Allison Fox

If you’d wondered where you can find an Iron Age hillfort, a Bronze Age burial or a giant’s grave, then this is the book for you. Featuring over eighty locations, including stone circles, carved crosses, parish churches, castles, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements, A Guide to the Archaeological Sites of the Isle of Man is an ideal companion for anyone wanting to explore these treasures and learn more about the complex history of the Manx people from earliest times.

The guide is pocket-size and is lavishly illustrated in full colour, with each site accompanied by a location map, details of how to get there and information on access and overview of Manx archaeology by Dr Peter Davey. The text for each entry, written by two of the Island’s leading archaeologists, Andrew Johnson and Allison Fox of Manx National Heritage, brings together the latest research and interpretations in an informative and accessible way, and references to further reading are provided for those who might want to delve deeper into the academic analysis of the sites.

Illustrated with photographs, maps and other information throughout, Culture Vannin is delighted to share this unique publication which will be popular with walkers and everyone interested in history and heritage.

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Island of Barbed Wire

£11.99

by Connery Chappell
Remarkable Story of WWII Internment Camps on the Isle of Man.

At the outbreak of war there were approximately 75,000 people of Germanic origin living in Britain, and Whitehall decided to set up Enemy Alien Tribunals. The first tribunal in February 1940 considered only 569 cases as high enough risks to warrant internment. The Isle of Man was chosen as the one place sufficiently removed from areas of military importance, but by the end of the year the number of enemy aliens on the island had reached 14,000.

With the use of diaries, broadsheets, newspapers and personal testimonies, the author shows how a traditional holiday isle was transformed into an internment camp. Boarding houses became barrack blocks, and many hoteliers welcomed the means of earning extra income. Eventually the internees took part in local farm work, ran their own camp newspapers and even set up internal businesses.

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