Books With Flair

Long before war was declared on 3 September 1939, Brighton had steadily and carefully prepared for the coming conflict by building shelters, organising defence and rescue services, and providing the population with advice of its own or from government sources. These precautions stood the town in good stead when the first bombs fell on it in mid-1940 and during the many subsequent attacks. The resort did not, admittedly, suffer as grievously as some others on the South Coast, yet civilian casualties totalled nearly 1,000, of whom over 200 were killed, 357 were seriously injured and 433 slightly injured. This is not the first book to reveal the toll of the bombs locally, but it is the first to describe, in parallel, day-to-day events and societal responses during the nearly six years of conflict. As elsewhere, restrictions often made life arduous for residents. Yet despite the hardship, the town’s citizens even marshalled sufficient resources to ‘adopt’ two battleships and generously saved towards assisting with other wartime causes, such as help to our ally, Russia. The hospitality trade and resort-related services suffered greatly during the periods when the defence ban on entering the town was enforced. In many respects, however, life went on largely as before, particularly in the spheres of entertainment, leisure and some sports. Douglas d’Enno, an authority on the history of Brighton and environs, shows in meticulous detail, in absorbing text and numerous pictures, how life in wartime Brighton was a struggle for many, but never dull.

In 1867, with a clear vision, steady growth, and prosperity, the village of Brighton was forged in the freshly cut tracks of wagon wheels. Eager settlers poured in from the East, and the Brighton area exploded with fertile farms and bustling businesses, quickly necessitating a train station, electricity, paved roads, and freeways. Rich in its farming roots and unique in its journey, Brighton has emerged as one of the most desirable Michigan communities to live in today. Follow the visual transformation from its humble yet arduous beginnings to the thriving modern business town it has become. This treasured collection of photographs provides a fascinating historical record of the people, farms, and businesses that drove the unstoppable development of Brighton through the 19th and 20th centuries. The architecture, landscape, and cherished character of Brighton tell the stories that embody the foundation of the community today.

A celebration of Brighton & Hove’s rich heritage, culture and identity – its people, significant events and achievements across the centuries.

Explores the rich and fascinating history of the city through an examination of some of its greatest architectural treasures.