SWHS Publications no 4 (2015), ed. Jacqueline Cooper, design Nick Crawley. 218 pages, ISBN 978-1-873669-15-0, price £12
A landmark volume offering a detailed portrait of Saffron Walden in the 15th century, when it was still known as Chepyng (or Market) Walden. The author describes the town as it grew and changed almost six centuries ago, leaving a legacy we still enjoy today: this was the dynamic period when the magnificent church was being built, there was a rich cultural life, sophisticated trading patterns and saffron was becoming an important crop. A remarkable scholarly book, fully illustrated with maps, charts and photographs, it has rapidly become a classic reference for everyone with an interest in the history of medieval life in the finest market town in Essex.