We are delighted to announce that A Scottish Blockade Runner in the American Civil War: Joannes Wyllie of the Steamer Ad-Vance by John F. Messner has been awarded an Honourable Mention by the Judging Panel in the 2021 Australian Naval Institute Commodore Sam Bateman Book Prize.

Congratulations to John for this well-deserved award.

• The author’s passion for snowdrops shines through in this lavishly illustrated book for novice snowdrop gardeners and galanthophiles alike
• Interweaves tips on snowdrop cultivation based on the author’s 30 years’ experience of growing snowdrops with art, history and unique first-hand insights into galantamine
• Provides information about over 100 varieties

• The life of a Marine Engineer in the Merchant Navy during the final years of steam propulsion and the transition to diesel power
• Interesting anecdotes about incidents that occurred during the author’s career, his fellow shipmates and descriptions of the places he visited
• Information for enthusiasts about the machinery and how it worked

‘...I'd like to put it on record that I'm finding that this text is probably the        most elegant, erudite, interesting and beautifully put together that I've ever had the privilege of being paid to read'. Caroline Petherick, The Wordsmith

• A modern travelogue describing and revisiting Telford’s work in Scotland during the early 19th century
• Shows how Telford’s engineering had a profound influence on the social history of the Highland and Islands