Here you will find an outline of the county's history as well as information about castles, monasteries and stately homes. The lives of sporting celebrities are included as well as biographies of politicians, inventors, industrialists and war heroes. The silk mill, built at Derby in 1722, has a strong claim to being the world's first factory and, in 1771 at Cromford, Richard Arkwright created a system of industrial production. These and other 'Derbyshire Firsts' are also described in the book Anyone searching for essential facts will find them here including information about royal visits, the arts, wildlife and countryside and food and drink. Industry and economy are also mentioned with an outline of the development of local industries. A Derbyshire Miscellany is essential reading for anyone with an interest in or a connection with the county either as a resident, a tourist or a student of its history. It would make an ideal gift that would give pleasure for years to come.