20th century

Times Past, by Carel Toms

'In Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm.' A list of the chapters and personalities in this book, published in 1985; taken from his 'journalistic and photographic efforts of the last 30 years.' Many of these photographs are in the Library's Carel Toms Collection; please inquire for further information.

The works of Ralph Durand

Ralph Durand's 'Elephant Swamp,' cover, from the Priaulx Library Collection

Ralph Durand, author and explorer, was Librarian of the Priaulx Library from 1929-1945, and the curator of the Island Museum from 1938-45.

Lost things: Guernsey granite fireplaces

La Maison Jean Sarre 1904, by Edith Carey, Priaulx Library Collection

General Oliver de Lancey William's only academic production, a notebook of a survey of old island houses he undertook in 1956, full of interesting observations, not just about fireplaces. It was presented to the Library in 1960. The photograph, taken by Edith Carey in 1904, is of La Maison Jean Sarre, 'an old house going to ruins near Bon Air, opposite L'Eree Schools, with a beautiful old carved granite chimney piece, with heads for corbels.'

Old Guernsey place names

The Star, June 15th, 1915. Not entirely accurate!

How women helped, 1919

From Sarnia's record in the Great War, published by The Star in 1919.

The Creux Mahie, October 1888

Creux Mahie guide Priaulx Library collection

The largest cave in Guernsey, once a major tourist attraction. From the Monthly Illustrated Journal, (Guernsey Magazine), October 1888, p. 85; and the cave in 1951, when a party of three including a press photographer go in search of bats there. The illustration is a detail looking out of the Creux Mahie from a small 19th century visitor's guide to the cave.

Charlie Chaplin

From the Guernsey Press of May 11th, 1939; 'Heard in the Bordage' by Stargazer.

Guernsey - The Pick of the Bunch: a tourist brochure from 1934

Cover of the Guernsey 1934 tourism brochure

The Priaulx Library has a great deal of ephemera amongst its collection, including tourist brochures. This is a particularly attractive example, from 1934, produced by the 'States' of Guernsey Advertising Committee' and printed by the Guernsey Press Co., Ltd. This 168-page brochure seems to have been written as a guide to Guernsey for both the potential holidaymaker and prospective resident.A full week in Guernsey, including return travel from London, seven nights accommodation, and three Motor Tours—£6-8-6!

The Clameur de Haro, by Dagonet

From G R Sims' comic Dagonet's Visit to Sark.

Bimbashi Garland

Major Herbert Garland (1880-1921) was an explosives expert and the author of a short romantic novel set in Guernsey entitled Diverse Affections; his life is much more interesting than his novel. The effects of the devastating techniques he pioneered in Arabia are still being felt today.

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