Customer Reviews

World of Rosamunde Pilcher

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I have enjoyed Rosamunde Pilcher's writing for over twenty years. This book, "The World of Rosamunde Pilcher" opens a window into the land and people that inspire her. There is a brief (all too brief in my opinion), autobiographical section of her childhood, and her husband's upbringing. Her mother-in-law has a love story worthy of a Pilcher book. There are photographs of her as a child, and young married and with her family. The bulk of the book is devoted to the country in which she now lives. The story she tells of acquiring the Bank house could also be straight out of a Pilcher book. There are pages of photos of the highlands of Scotland, the coast of Cornwell and the hustle and bustle of London. It also goes into the homes she inhabits and the furnishings. We are able to see how and where she lives, get a sense of her as a person. It is easy to feel a sense of the country she loves so well, and the photos are accompanied by the author's own words. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys this prolific author, and gives an insight into what inspires and colours her wonderful tales.

After you have read all of Rosamunde Pilcher's books and have yearned for more details of Porthkerris, of the rugged scenery around Cornwall, and a glimpse of Lawrence's paintings in The Shell Seekers, this book is a must for you. There are six pages of sepia photographs of Rosamunde's life, and a 1939 photograph of her; look closely and perhaps you may see Judith in Coming Home? There are paragraphs selected from her writings to compliment georgous paintings and photographs of her homes in Cornwall and Scotland. Her recipes are delicious (Potato and Leek Soup, Scones, Creme Brulee and Raspberries). The World of Rosamunde Pilcher is a delight. Buy this book only if you are ready to have your world suddenly become more relaxing and beautiful.

Since Rosamunde Pilcher is my favorite author, I was thrilled to discover this magnificent book filled with charming stories and glorious photographs of the settings she so warmly captures in her books. From the cover photo of a country home on the south coast of Cornwall to the charming interior photos of homes reminiscent of the Balmerino and Aird homes in September, this is a delightful coffee table book that captures the essence of Pilcher country.

Rosamunde writes most lovingly of how she found her home in the Bank House in Scotland and then treats the reader to page after page of impressive photos that will make you want to pack your bags and head straightaway for either the beaches of Cornwall or on to the romantic estates of Scotland.

There are photos of an adult Rosamunde pegging her wash as Penelope might have in The Shell Seekers, as a child playing with her sister on the beach in St. Ives, on her wedding day to Graham Pilcher and many more. The cut-lines reveal the story of her mother-in-law who had a love life worthy of a Pilcher novel, her love for The Elms, the stately mansion where she grew up, and the inspiration for the settings in her novels and short stories. Quotes from The Shell Seekers, September, Coming Home, The Empty House, Another View, The Day of the Storm, Wild Mountain Thyme and other works accompany the photographs.

As well there are recipes for scones, treacle tart, creme brulee with raspberries, and more of the mouth-watering treats that have her readers yearning to sit in Penelope's kitchen or to be served tea by Violet Aird.

There is a section of the paintings that inspired her, perhaps were even the inspiration for the work of Lawrence Stern in The Shell Seekers. Most impressive to me was the painting of Laura Knight which readers of Coming Home will remember is the one Gus thought of the first time he saw Loveday.

The pictures of Scotland were equally impressive and since my favorite Pilcher novel is September, I was thrilled to see a home that might well have been Corriehill, the gala dancing which took me to Katy Steynton's birthday party, and the candle-lit table where Archie and Isobel entertained at dinner before the bash.

Truly a breathtaking book for armchair travellers in general, and readers of Rosamunde Pilcher novels in particular.

Reminded me of my childhood. There are so many simple things they did like going to the ocean that filled my heart with gladness and gave me fond memories. Always looking for "a home" too, I've found where I'd like to spend my retirement.

This book whispered and sang about her life. One could smell the rooms in the houses shown and touch the fine furniture, feel the wind on one's face and Rosamunds love for the world she lives in.

The stories of Rosamunde Scott Pilcher are so enjoyable that those of us who have read them, can't help but wonder about her life. This book is more of a celebration of her work rather than her personal history, although, I did learn a little of her background.

Rosamunde Scott was born in Lelant, England, a small village in Cornwall; however, she's lived in Dundee, Scotland, since 1955. The book gives a short, but interesting account from Pilcher, about looking for and eventually finding a flat for sale in a beautiful Victorian Bank Building in Dornoch, Scotland. The flat was apparently used as a vacation home. The book also contains quite a few wonderful old and new family photographs, and several of Pilcher's recipes.

I loved the photograph of "The Elms," which was the Scott home, where Rosamunde spent her childhood. Another interesting picture is the one of Talland House in St. Ives. It was the home of Florence Pilcher Dow, Rosamunde's mother-in-law. We're told that Talland House was once the home of Virginia Woolf's family.

There are many excerpts given from Pilcher's books. They are accompanied by glorious photographs and paintings that really illustrate her stories. The cover of the book shows an enchanting Tudor style cottage that's located in Cornwall. My guess was that it might be Pilcher's home, but it's actually another illustration of the type of house that often shows up in her stories. I also thought that the interiors shown were from Pilcher's own home, but they were not identified as such. I believe they were, again, used to illustrate the excerpts from her stories. I admit to being a little disappointed that they were not her rooms.

I consider this to be a "coffee table" book, easy reading accompanied by lovely pictures.

I love this book more for the beautiful photography than anything else, and I purchased it to use it to paint watercolor landscapes with. The photographs of the scenery makes me feel that it is almost too beautiful to be real. It's a beautiful book and will sweep you off to a place you've never been to , but want to return to again and again.

I paid for this item but it was never received. I ordered two videos and received them, but not the book. I did not know how to contact the person who was to send it to me. Perhaps you have a record.

This book is worth it's weight in gold. The photos and information about Rosamunde Piltcher have made it possible for me to plan a tour of Scotland next May, in which I will do a Rosamunde Piltcher Tour. I have booked a tour that will take me to many of the villages from "Winter Solstice" and the main town which was the setting for the story. I can't wait!

Book is true to the Rosamunde Pilcher style I've loved throughout the years. Throughly enjoyed.