A SAFFRON Walden author signed copies of his new book at a reception attended by 50 local historians. Land Agriculture and Industry in North-west Essex by Geoffrey Ball was published last Friday and was launched in the town s library. Mr Ball, of

A SAFFRON Walden author signed copies of his new book at a reception attended by 50 local historians.

Land Agriculture and Industry in North-west Essex by Geoffrey Ball was published last Friday and was launched in the town's library.

Mr Ball, of Saxon Way, spent his career in the farming industry both in Britain and abroad, and brings a lifetime of experience to this exploration of its history.

Historically Walden was a market town at the centre of a highly productive countryside, where vital industries in wool production and malting developed from its products.

The book, which also delves into the history of various farms in the area, has received glowing praise.

In a foreword, local historian Martyn Everett, said: "Work and the like of the community were turned to the seasons and the rhythms of sowing and harvesting.

"The unhurried pace of Geoffrey Ball's gentle and persuasive prose provides the perfect introduction to that vanished way of life and the legacy it has left us."

The book - which has 100 pages and 41 illustrations - is edited by Jacqueline Cooper and is being published under the title of SWHS Publications, a new venture by the Saffron Walden Historical Society, who already publish the Saffron Walden Historical Journal.

The idea is to offer scope for the publication of longer works of original research relating to NW Essex. The author and editorial team give their time freely, so that all income goes towards future local history publications.

Copies of the book can be purchased for �7.50 from the Tourist Information Centre on Market Square. For postal copies, enquiries can be made by phoning 01799 521913 or emailing jacqueline.cooper@virgin.net