The J.S. Fletcher G.P. Rhodes Collaboration, 10 years in the making, is a book about the collaboration between the author and his favoured illustrator. It covers the books that prolific, local author J.S. Fletcher wrote featuring Pontefract and the neighbouring countryside.

Fletcher’s novels, short stories and local chronicles offer us a vision into the social and political debates of the time, the local characters, their friendships, love affairs and rivalries, several of which end in tragedy. Always there is the picturesque background and industrial settings of the old Wapentake of Osgoldcross.

Roger Ellis, researcher and writer, said “I’m very pleased with how the book has come out, and I’m proud to work with Pontefract Civic Society, a local charity, which is managing the sales from which they will benefit to further their future publications”.

As a bonus, Roger’s book shows a collection of wonderful illustrations by local sketch artist G.P. Rhodes some of which are seen for the first time, Rhodes being a lifelong friend of Fletcher.

Paul Cartwright, chair said, “the civic society has a collection of books on Pontefract’s heritage and social history, and we’re therefore very pleased to be helping Roger promote his work by adding this our online shop. In order to launch the new book, we have the support of Pontefract Library to host a ‘book signing’ on Fri 20th September, 10:30am till 12 noon, where you can buy the book priced £13.00, and Roger will sign it for you, just in time to start your Christmas shopping”.

The book will also be available from the civic society online, at the Town Hall Tour on Saturday, and KLH Events Craft & Gift Fair on Sunday.

For local information visit the civic society website at www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk or call 01977 708658 for further information.

Local author, Roger Ellis.

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