Official Guide to Edinburgh

Undated, but published about 1930, the Official Guide to Edinburgh is both a history of the Scottish capital and a guide book for tourists.

The first half of the book is an effusive history and description, revealing that the city is complete and in a state of perfection. All of the civic institutions and amenities are described, as well as the industries of the area. Putting a positive spin on unhappier circumstances, we learn that 'for the great body of the pauper insane of Edinburgh and district has been provided the extensive and well-appointed Bangour Asylum, some fifteen miles out of town'.

The second half contains guided excursions of the area, and these are assisted by a sketch map showing streets and tram routes, and by many photographs and other illustrations.

This is not a street directory, but will be of great interest to those whose families lived in Edinburgh. The CD is easy to use, and the digital scanning has produced a very clear image.

Published by S&N, it costs £17.45 plus £2.50 postage. Details are at www.genealogysupplies.com or write to S&N, West Wing, Manor Farm, Chilmark, Salisbury SP3 5AF.