This is not a repackaged trawl through old stuff – Philip Hosken’s research has been prompted by unique access to company and family papers, to ledgers, minute books and files, alongside family, customer and employee anecdotes, which, when combined with the author’s accomplished and accessible style, and his blend of personal experience and academic objectivity, makes this not only a welcome addition to the history of Cornish business, but also a genuine pleasure to read and explore.