Personalised Nostalgic Local History Books
Hundreds of nostalgic photo books about Britain. Twelve fascinating ranges to enjoy, all printed to order and lavishly illustrated with our high quality photographs. From books depecting life as it was in the first half of the 20th Century to a more recent step back in time to the 1960s, via recipes, trivia and poetry - there's sure to be something which will whet your reading apetite. Many of our books can be personalised for free with your own text on the title page to make a perfect gift for birthday's, Christmas and other celebrations.
The perfect, personalised gift
Add a personal dedication to the title page - free of charge. Most of our books are printed individually to order. You can add a personal message when you buy that will be printed on the title page at no extra cost, making our books a great gift or keepsake. This is a great option for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and leaving or retirement.
Search for local nostalgia books about your favourite places in Britain.
Browse Our Book Ranges
Over 2 million books sold since 1999
" I ordered a book with a personalised touch (from my youngest kids to their grandma). Having the option to personalise is one of the reasons I bought it. It was promptly delivered, no fuss, no delays. An absolutely beautiful pictorial historical account of my Mum's home town, which I am sure she will be delighted with.
Thank you very much Francis Frith."
What people say:
Added 16th March 2011
“I have finally received my eagerly awaited copy of the book "I Remember When...". I was curious as to which story your company had published in the book. I was overwhelmed and astonished to see that you have published four of my stories, one of which is on Page 69. This entailed the story of the Majestic Cinema in Mitcham and my subsequent dream of going to the South Pacific. The pictures attached are in fact one of the islands I lived on for 14 years with my husband and two daughters - the youngest was born there and the eldest was 16 months when we arrived. We were there when Papua New Guinea became an Independent Nation and I have many experiences and memories of the island of New Britain - of course I have written these down - but are only for private publication. We left when my husband was murdered, but that is another story.
I continue to live in the Pacific and at the moment I am in Far North Queensland, Australia.
I will continue to write on your site on the different places I visited during my young years. I enjoy reading the book, it is very well presented, and learning of more experiences of the other writers in the book.
Thank you again for publishing my stories and I look forward to seeing another book published next year, whether it has any of my stories in it or not.
I would be grateful if you can forward my thanks to John M Buck”
Added 14th February 2018
“The book has arrived- hurrah! It looks absolutely fabulous. I can’t thank you enough for both the speediness and quality. A huge thank you.”
Added 16th March 2011
“Recently I received my copy of "I Remember When" (I had a friend send it to me) I am extremely satisfied with the quality of this book. I am also grateful to you for choosing some of my own contributions to include in this fine coffeetable book
I firmly believe that the Francis Frith Collection is a wonderful way for us to memorialise our living experiences for others to rerad.
Again Thank You for these opportunities”
Added 16th March 2011
“Really have enjoyed my book. Wonderful collection”
Added 16th March 2011
“….the print will become part of family history and a treasured possession. Many thanks”
Added 16th March 2011
“I must apologize for the lateness of response but have only just finished reading said book which I found most informative. The quality of the photographs seems better than previous and the layout of the pages led seamlessly from one to another. All in all a thoroughly good read which leads me to quote some previous author who said, “the book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one that makes you think.” Your books certainly make you think”
Added 16th March 2011
“To all at Francis Frith.I have just recieved my copy of 'I Remember When' which includes my entry about the Witch from my family's past (page 197, bottom right hand side).
As a hopeful as yet unpublished writer, it was fantastic to see my name in print! To know that other readers will see my own name has given me an enormous kick.
Also, the book itself is prooving to be a good read that I can pick up and put down at any time and I'll always find facinating stories, some of which have already brought back memories of my own.
My Dad is in hospital at the moment, so I'll be taking the book with me on my next visit to show him. He will be impressed with it too!
Thanks once again, all at Francis Frith for choosing to include my memory. I'll be using your site again to order very soon, and I'll sing your prais es to everyone I work with (whether they are interested or not)!
Best wishes.
Ann Martin (one very satisfied customer”
Added 16th March 2011
“I am really thrilled with your website. I am visiting it after having bought your Around Manchester book. My family come from Salford and Manchester and I am ordering some photos from the book”
Added 16th March 2011
“May I take this opportunity of saying how much I have enjoyed your book…”
Added 16th March 2011
“The book is great by the way just what I wanted & the inscription looks lovely. I've no doubt I'll be using your company again in the future”
Added 16th March 2011
“The book has really given me quite unbelievable pleasure and brought back so many wonderful memories, a treasure indeed”
Added 26th October 2021
“just wanted to let you know that the order has arrived today!
this is great, as it is my partner's birthday, so I wanted to thank you all for a fantastic service!
Many thanks to all the team.”
Added 30th January 2008
“Those lovely books arrived this afternoon and I am so happy! They were in perfect condition and very well packaged. I look forward to sharing them with lots of friends and family. If you ever need someone to 'put in a good word' for the excellent service of your business, please do not hesitate to ask me. Thank you very much”
Added 28th July 2021
“My brother (in France) is delighted with his book about Aylesbury where we were born and grew up. We are both impressed by your service and especially like the inscription idea.”
Added 16th November 2022
Perfect Gift
“The product was exactly what I was looking for. And to be able to have a free inscription printed inside has made it so very special. It is printed in a beautiful script too. One very happy customer, thank you so much”
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Take a look at our other nostalgic photo gifts and keepsakes.