Although Dorothy mentions darts in the introductory quote to Chapter 16 (Sports and Leisure Activities) and makes passing reference to the game in the first paragraph, there is no signboard depicting darts to be found.Įntertaining, informative and easy to read and very easy on the eye All About Pub Signs is not only a book for all those wanting to learn about the origins and development of pub signs for the first time. My only (very minor) gripe with All About Pub Signs relates to my own passion - darts. Fortunately Dorothy has recorded ‘Tanya’s Charms’ for posterity. It only lasted four days before it was taken down ironically not because it was offending people but because the sign was by a very busy road and the fear was that it might cause a serious accident. No red-blooded male need rush to see the sign. The latter category includes controversial signs such as ‘The Black Boy’, ‘The Quiet Woman’ and ‘The Tanya’s Charms” (possibly the first time a modern nude has been featured in a book on pub signs). Dorothy writes clearly, authoritatively and with passion and enthusiasm, tracing the early history of signs and English pubs and breweries before taking us on a carefully ordered tour of all categories of pub sign including those incorporating heraldic devices, political signs, transport, local and national heroes, sports and leisure and politically incorrect signs. There’s not a black and white image in sight.

It might have something to do with the fact that Dorothy is also a member of the Inn Sign Society. It must be Dorothy’s job as a professional Blue Badge tourist guide for the Heart of Britain that enabled her to guide me through the complex yet fascinating and colourful world of the pub sign (‘colourful’ being the operative word). “Wasn’t that a rather foolish act?” I hear you say. The cover drew me to it like a magnet and I bought it without even flicking through the content. I purchased Dorothy Nicolle’s latest book All About Pub Signs in Ludlow last June. Published by Blue Hills Press, Wem, Shropshire Book Review - All About Pub Signs by Dorothy Nicolle

All about Pub Signs by Dorothy Nicolle