Dr David Hume: New book by author, historian and co-host of 'The Long and the Short of it' proves 'history happens every day'
“History is not only about the big events”, well-known author, historian and broadcaster Dr David Hume MBE is keen to emphasise with the launch of his latest book.
In ‘Historic Days in East Antrim’, Dr Hume shares his enthusiasm for discovering more about days gone by, including the events, people and places that may have long faded from memory.
Already the author of numerous historical publications, Dr Hume is also a popular lecturer and co-host of the BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Northern Ireland television series ‘The Long and Short of it’, in which he and comedian Tim McGarry delve into Irish history from differing perspectives.
He knows there are many people who enjoy an insight into the past and he hopes his new book will kindle curiosity in even more.
Dr Hume recalled how his weekly history columns in the new defunct Carrickfergus Advertiser newspaper and his 15-year spell as a journalist with the Larne Times proved how much interest there is from the public in bygone times – and they don’t all have to be major events.
"This fascination became something of an addiction for me,” said Dr Hume, a self-confessed “historical magpie”.
"The pages of old newspapers offer a window into another world; a world of people, events and social and political history which in many cases, now only lies in the past but is also forgotten.”
Indeed, Dr Hume’s new book is based on the fact that “history happens every day”.
It details historical events which happened on each day of the year in the east Antrim area down the years. Some are major and of note in a wider sense, others are more mundane happenings in the life of an indivudal, communuty or place.
The 255-page publication is ideal to dip in and out of and is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the rich history of the east Antrim area and people connected to it. The book makes for fascinating reading, drawing on Dr Hume’s wealth of research from newspapers, letters and historical documents gathered over decades.
Interspersed with photos and illustrations, the book very much proves that history is “about the everyday”.
Along with well-documented dates, there are many examples of noteworthy happenings which have slipped into the mists of time.
For example, there’s an account of a sensational jail break in Carrickfergus when five prisoners escaped from the County Antrim jail.
Another details how a farmer on his way from Larne Market was targeted by a roadside robber who held a hankerchief soaked in chloroform to his face.
Along with providing details of solemn events, Dr Hume’s new book also features a number of bizarre occurrences.
For instance, the sighting of an enormous sea monster rising out of the water off the rocks at Garron Tower would have been quite a talking point back in 1910.
Combined together in this excellent new book, the 365 days-worth of historical gems make for an enthralling historical snapshot of life in east Antrim.
"Historic Days in East Antrim’ is on sale at The Secret Bookshelf and Carrick Castle giftshop in Carrickfergus; The Book Nook in Larne; Beatties shop in Ballycarry and in The Rinkha and the Gobbins giftshop in Islandmagee. The author can also be contacted regarding copies at [email protected]