Independent book and art shop on the Isle of Man with shops in Port Erin & Ramsey
Both shops open every Sunday until Christmas 11 am - 4pm
New, published 5/12/23
Where is the Cursed Stone of Destiny?
Which holy well offers a cure for baldness?
What terrifying creature lurks on Ramsey promenade?
This is a guide to over 400 sites around the Isle of Man and the traditional folklore to be found there.
Gathered from thousands of sources across hundreds of years of folklore collecting, ranging from medieval stories of vengeful saints through to ghostly figures still being seen today, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the breadth and variety of the traditional folklore of the Isle of Man.
This collection will transform not just our knowledge of Manx folklore but also our relationship to the Isle of Man itself.
New, published Nov 2023
Stephen Carter has enjoyed a maritime career spanning over 50 years, building a knowledge of the Island Ports and Irish Sea that is second to none. Stephen was Chief Pilot for many years and Captain of the Parish of Lonan. Stephen recalls his childhood days growing up in Douglas, describing some of the pranks that he and others used to get up to. Many buildings long since demolished are mentioned.
The formation of his Laxey Towing Company is told in this fascinating book. Many of the tasks undertaken are described in considerable detail within these pages, from his younger days with rowing boats in Douglas Bay, through to towing barges across to both adjacent Islands, rescues at sea and on Island work with a fleet of heavy haulage trucks and cranes. There are many stories of Piloting vessels of all sizes into and out of the Island harbours, some highlighting the dire consequences of getting it wrong!
In telling these stories, many local names are recorded, those who worked for the Laxey Towing Company, some that still do, Harbours staff, Captains of the vessels piloted, even the local landlords get mentioned. Plenty of vessel names are included making this book a valuable resource.
Format
Softback, A5
Pages
318
This new book gives the reader an insight into the development and construction of the new flagship vessel for the Steam Packet, which is due to enter service during in July 2023. The publication covers a short history of the company during the last 25 years, including a look-back in time at the last Manxman by John Hendy and Peter Corrin. The author’s look at the factors behind vessels engineering design, constraints on size and shape, environmental credentials, efficiency factors, technical data etc and the construction of the ship. The book also includes a wealth of drawings and photos of the construction of the new ferry in South Korea and will include the delivery voyage of the Manxman to the Isle of Man.
Author(s)
Miles Cowsill and Richard Kirkman
Format
Hardback 210 x 280
Pages
132
Publication Date
August 2023
New - published Nov 2023
As an island of seafarers, the Isle of Man and its Steam Packet Company vessels were destined to play a significant part in World War II. At the outbreak of war, 10 vessels were requisitioned and adapted for war purposes.
Tragedy struck in May 1940, when in the space of 24 hours, three Manx vessels, Mona's Queen, Fenella and King Orry, were lost during the chaotic evacuation of Dunkirk. The Island mourned the lost sailors at the same time as it was preparing to host thousands of foreign national internees being brought from the UK.
The Island never forgot its Dunkirk losses and the families held onto precious keepsakes. 70 years later the anchor from the Mona's Queen was recovered and restored. It returned to the Island to form the centrepiece of the Dunkirk memorial. The anchor inspired a team of Manx divers to return to the Mona's Queen, and to tell the story for the next generation.
"Manx men who sailed to Dunkirk, many of whom were very young, were civilians and had never been in combat. They were incredibly brave, knowingly sailing towards the danger and into harm's way. Some of them, of course, paid the ultimate sacrifice and we should remember them, as well as all their Isle of Man Steam Packet comrades who served at Dunkirk and elsewhere during World War II." Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, 2023
A4 Paperback
New : Published Dec 2023
Manx educational charity Mooinjer Veggey has published a Manx translation of Fairytales from the Isle of Man by Dora Broome.
With new illustrations by Jay Cover and a foreword by Sue Woolley about Dora’s life.
Dora Broome’s Fairytales from the Isle of Man was originally published in 1951.
Since then it has been translated by the late Brian Stowell.
Please note, this book is in Manx only.
Only a few left!
by Derry Kissack
The price of the book includes a postage supplement as this is a heavy book.
The story of the World famous Purple Helmets
A4 Hardback
Colour photos
Proceeds from the sale of this book are being donated to Ramsey Pier Restoration and Isle of Man Hospice. As a charity book, this purchase does not qualify for Bridge Bookshop loyalty card points (an in-shop loyalty card scheme), nor does it qualify for free Isle of Man delivery.
illustrations by Julia Ashby-Smythe
Welcome to the Isle of Man, a little island nestled in the Irish Sea between Scotland and England to the east, Wales to the south and Ireland to the west. Spend a full day in the magical, fairy kingdom of the Fairy Bridge. Discover how the tiny, mystical folk co-exist with all the nature around them. What do they do all day? Find out if all the human travellers over the Fairy Bridge will greet the fairies today. And what might the fairies do if anyone fails to hail them politely? Not only is this a story about the fairies, its also a colouring book. Bring the Fairy Bridge fairy-world to life with your own colours. Lots of line drawings to colour-in, on thick paper, plus pages to create your own fairies or write your own wishes.
Published May 2023
Author : Anita Mulvey
Illustrated by : Julia Ashby Smyth
Format : Softback 200 mm x 250 mm
Pages : 40
From Victorian pleasure grounds to treasured green spaces, the Manx glens have enchanted generations of visitors.
The Magic of the Manx Glens reflects their varying character and amenities, and highlights the continuing appeal of the semi-wild seclusion to be found in many of them. The National Glens are in the care of the Isle of Man Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, which preserves their now semi-natural character and maintains the paths and bridges with accessible access where possible in mind.
Published April 2023
Paperback 20cm x 20 cm
96 pages
Do you know what a Vitascope clock is? Or where you can find the remains of the Manx flax industry? Or what was the meaning behind Mabelreign? Robert Kelly does! Manx born and bred, Robert spent his entire life researching and writing about the Isle of Man, and amassed a huge fund of fascinating and little-known information. Sadly Robert died in 2018, but this collection of some of his unpublished work reminds us not only of his erudition and delight in detail, but also his love of the myriad stories which contribute to the identity of his homeland.
Whether he's writing about repurposing a concrete ship or the history of the Douglas mace, Robert Kelly writes with wit, individuality and style.
Published by Loaghtan Books 18/4/2023
Paperback
124 pages
20cm x 20cm
Purchase a gift voucher on our website for use in our shops in Port Erin and Ramsey. For free shipping, use code FREESHIPVOUCHER at checkout
Purchase a gift voucher on our website for use in our shops in Port Erin and Ramsey. For free shipping, use code FREESHIPVOUCHER at checkout
On Sale
On Sale
New editions (2021) of the Isle of Man Outdoor Leisure Maps for both North and South of the Isle of Man available to purchase together at special price. Produced in full colour, scale 2.5 inches to 1 mile.
On Sale
On Sale
Free delivery to Isle of Man addresses for orders of £20 or more. Use code MANXSHIP at checkout.
Weather proof editions (2021) of the Isle of Man Outdoor Leisure Maps for both North and South of the Isle of Man available to purchase together at special price. Produced in full colour, scale 2.5 inches to 1 mile.
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