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As You & Yesterday has developed, a number of especially popular themes have emerged. One is Derbyshire's literary heritage - the articles in that category embrace not only the links between writers and the county, but also the portrayal of Derbyshire 'in' literature and its place in the world of writing and publishing at large. Here author Peter Seddon sets the scene and presents a guide to what has already been posted on the site.

Despite life-changing advances in the world of technology and communication, the written-word continues to reign supreme. You are currently reading a website as opposed to a conventional book - yet the content still has to be written by someone. So too the words delivered on television and radio and on film or stage, via CD or DVD and whatever may follow next. Make no mistake - technological advances have not rendered writing a dead art, but merely changed its emphasis and created more opportunities for purveyors of the written word.

So it is appropriate that a thoroughly up-to-date medium like You & Yesterday should acknowledge the literary heritage of the county it celebrates. To that end a very varied selection of articles concerning 'Derbyshire and literature' have already been uploaded.

But we are always looking for more - perhaps your favourite author was either born in Derbyshire, lived in the county for some time, or was inspired by shorter visits. If so why not make a contribution and add a piece to the growing archive?

Or maybe you know of a work of fiction set in Derbyshire, or one which used Derbyshire people or places thinly-disguised in its plot. Alternatively you might be aware of a curious literary snippet which has yet to be shared with the nation - LOST SHAKESPEARE PLAY DISCOVERED IN SWADLINCOTE LIBRARY - just imagine the media scrum.

Contributions can be of any length - long or short it doesn't matter. The main thing is to inter-react with what is 'your' Local History website. As a guide to what has already been written, here is a selection of articles posted on the site so far. The themes are many and varied - but what they all have in common is a link between Derbyshire and the world of literature.

Brittain, Vera

Crisp, Quentin - Did gay icon live in Derby?

Crompton, Richmal - Derbyshire Schooldays of 'Just William' Author

Dasgupta, Subrata - Salaam Derby County.....And Stanley Matthews

Falkner, John Meade - 'Moonfleet' author taught at Derby School

Gollancz, Victor - Repton's Loss Was Publishing's Gain

Holmes, Sherlock - Born in Chesterfield - Official!

Holmes, Sherlock - The Curious Case of the Derbyshire Links

Hull, Edith Maude - A forgotten Derbyshire writer

Hull, Edith Maude - R.I.P. in Hazelwood

Hutton, William - 'Father of Local History'

James Bond author's links with Derbyshire

Johnson, Samuel

Johnson, Samuel: From slave to Dr Johnson's secretary

Johnson, Samuel: War of words over English dictionary

Lawrence, D.H.: Day out featured in writer's classic work

Potter, Beatrix: County roots of children's author

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques Father of the French Revolution

Samuel Richardson

Stanhope, Aubrey - Mystery Man of Many Talents

The talented and enigmatic Mr Stanhope

Trouncer, Margaret - Derby High School's Forgotten Novelist

Welch, Denton - 'Delicate Boy' Had Tough Times at Repton School

Robert Baden-Powell - 'Scouting For Boys' in Dovedale

Books: Book inspired by love of wild flowers

C S Lewis: Peak was author's "ideal country"

Haddon Hall elopement scandal became Sullivan operetta

FEEDBACK

Did you enjoy this article? If so, why not comment on it? Perhaps you disagree with something in it, or you know something the writer doesn't and can add some extra facts. You may want to ask a question about this article. Making a contribution is easy - either click 'edit' to insert more information or 'discussion' and then 'add comment.' This is your site. Please feel free to use it to the full and share your memories, thoughts and knowledge about Derbyshire with others.

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County:  Derbyshire