Caroline Weaver Knihy

Approximately 100 photographs from the Francis Frith Collection of the town and surrounding villages spanning over 100 years.

Approximately 100 detailed period photographs from the Francis Frith archive with extended captions and full introduction are collected in this volume. Suitable for tourists, local historians and general readers, it includes a voucher for a free mounted print of any photograph shown in the book.

The Pencil Perfect narrates the story of the pencil, a simple yet profound tool that connects us to the tangible in a digital world. This intimate exploration highlights the four essential components of a pencil—wood, graphite, clay, and water—while showcasing its global impact and innovation. Caroline Weaver, a passionate pencil enthusiast and owner of CW Pencil Enterprise, shares her deep appreciation for this humble instrument through engaging texts. Accompanying illustrations by Zimbabwean artist Oriana Fenwick enhance the narrative with fine details and realism, creating an endearing and enlightening experience. The book features profiles of pencil makers, anecdotes about famous authors and their preferred pencils, and essays on the surprising historical significance of this modest tool. It chronicles the pencil's role in pivotal moments such as the Scientific Revolution and various wars, illustrating its influence on communication and culture. The narrative also contrasts the pencil's historical significance with its modern variations, from the Blackwing 602 to novelty designs. Weaver's lifelong obsession with pencils, sparked by her childhood experiences, culminated in her opening a dedicated shop in New York City in 2015. The Pencil Perfect immortalizes the legacy of this everyday object for future historians, writers, and curious minds.