At 11:16 AM 10/2/2005, you wrote:
>I'm thinking of planning a trip there in the summer myself. I would love to
>hear what books you have, & whether you recommend them or not. And, not just
>Silent Doug, anyone who has some titles to discuss! Thanks!

I have a list of Dartmoor related books and maps here, including
several on letterboxing that I've read:
http://www.letterboxing.info/links/index.php?id=88

A couple of years ago, I picked up a book at a library used book sale
called "A Book of Dartmoor" by S. Baring-Gould. Baring-Gould was a
prolific writer on everything from history to topography to fiction
(and he also wrote the hymn 'Onward Christian Soldiers'), and this
book collects tales and describes the legends and features of
Dartmoor. The book was published in 1900, but in the first chapter he
includes a description of Cranmere Pool excerpted from a work
published in 1897-98 (I can't tell from the footnote if it's a book
or periodical, or if it was authored by himself or someone else). The
passage describes the pool as having dried up long ago and of little
interest, but that guides had established a jar by the pool where
they deposited their calling cards -- but decries the practice as
little more than a 17th century tourist trap, an effort to draw
people to an otherwise desolate and uncommendable location!

Still, it was exciting to read an original source reference to the
origins of letterboxing. I'll post the excerpt on my web site in a
couple of days so that everyone can read it.

SD


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Silent Doug, P55 F1098 X157 E21
http://www.letterboxing.info
Get a Clue -- Go Letterboxing!