F67 Guide Books

The Island developed as a tourist resort from around the 1820's though mostly from after the 1850's when it became the playground of the working classes from Lancashire. 

What was probably the first guidebook was printed in 1808, the supposed author being Nathaniel Jefferys (at one time jeweller to the Prince Regent) who contributed a strange 'apology' as preface (removed from the 2nd edition of 1809) - Cubbon is probably correct in ascribing the true authorship to a Mr Bell from Newcastle.

The standard format of the guides was to commence with some history of the Island, its constitution and laws, the Manx Church, a fairly full description of Douglas and ending with various tours around the Island. Some guides added a directory of tradespersons etc; most added various bits of folklore (usually retailed from Waldron or Train). Leech's guide of 1861 was unusual in that as he came from Ramsey, that town was given precedence over Douglas.

Jenkinson's Guide of 1874 was a very thorough account.

Online Pages:

• Cubbon Bibliography - section F67
• N JefferysAccount of the Isle of Man,1808
• S Haining A Historical Sketch and Descriptive View, 1822
• H.R. Oswald The Isle of Man New Guide, 1831
• J Quiggin Illustrated Guide (+ Trade Directory) 1839 (1841 printing)
• Wm Cannell A New Guide and Visitors' Companion..1843
• E.L.Blanchard Isle of Man from Adam's Watering Places 1851
• F. Leech Guide & Directory 1861
• H.I. Jenkinson Practical Guide 1874
• Brown's Popular Guide 1887

By the late 1880s many tourits did not want the large and relatively expensive guidebooks aimed at middle class readers but cheaper 1d guides - Brown & Co for example published many such smaller guides as did some of the Lancashire publishers

• John Heywood Illustrated Guide 1891
• Abel Heywood Illustrated Guide 1903 (als a 6d guide 1885)

Offline References