A former newspaper journalist and BBC producer/presenter, David Arscott has for some years worked as a freelance author, broadcaster, publisher and editor. He has written some 30 books on Sussex, for various publishers apart from his own Pomegranate Press.
Publications
Our Lewes, by David Arscott, published 1 January 1980 (128 pp., Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN-10: 0750936649 & ISBN-13: 9780750936644) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Lewes, set among the Downs and just a few miles from the sea, is prized for the rich history enshrined in its Norman castle, medieval town walls and venerable High Street houses. Those lucky enough to live there, however, relish the vibrancy of its here-and-now as much as its enviable heritage. In the long, hot summer of 2003 David Arscott explored the county town with his microphone and camera to record the thoughts and experiences of people from all walks of life Lewes life. Here are its shops, restaurants, hotels, churches, pubs and schools, and first-hand accounts of day-to-day life from a wide range of Lewesians involved in arts and crafts, brewing, politics, journalism, photography, book-selling, hairdressing and a wealth of other industries and activities. Ranging from the busy High Street to the estates on the fringes of the town, this is contemporary Lewes as it has never been seen before - a vivid celebration of today's community which will itself one day be a small part of the historical record.
People of Hidden Sussex, by Warden Swinfen and David Arscott, published 1984 (162 pp., BBC Radio Sussex, ISBN-10: 0950951005 & ISBN-13: 9780950951003) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 9982] & The Keep [LIB/500104][Lib/500091] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Explore Sussex: Its Coast, Countryside and Heritage, by David Arscott, published 20 March 1986 (112 pp., Local Heritage Books, ISBN-10: 0863680143 & ISBN-13: 9780863680144) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 10008] & British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Hidden Sussex Day by Day, by Warden Swinfen and David Arscott, published 1987 (170 pp., BBC Radio Sussex, ISBN-10: 0950951021 & ISBN-13: 9780950951027) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 10012][Lib 10013] & The Keep [LIB/500105] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Hidden Sussex - the Towns, by Warden Swinfen and David Arscott, published 1990 (158 pp., BBC Radio Sussex, ISBN-10: 0950951056 & ISBN-13: 9780950951058) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 13108] & The Keep [LIB/500106] & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Curiosities of East Sussex: A County Guide to the Unusual, by David Arscott, published 31 December 1991 (88 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857708873 & ISBN-13: 9781857708875) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 12062] & British Library
The Sussex Story, by David Arscott, published November 1992 (96 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0951987607 & ISBN-13: 9780951987605) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Curiosities of West Sussex: A County Guide to the Unusual, by David Arscott, published 1 August 1993 (96 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857700171 & ISBN-13: 9781857700176) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Hastings and the 1066 Country: Featuring Battle, Bexhill, Pevensey, Rye, St Leonards and Winchelsea, by David Arscott, published 31 August 1993 (96 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 185770049X & ISBN-13: 9781857700497) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Tales from the Parish Pump, a hundred years of Parish Councils in East Sussex, by David Arscott, published 18 March 1994 (104 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857700570 & ISBN-13: 9781857700572) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Living Sussex, by David Arscott, published 16 September 1994 (96 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0951987615 & ISBN-13: 9780951987612) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Sussex: The County in Colour, by Terry Heathcote and David Arscott, published 15 October 1995 (128 pp., Wimbourne: The Dovecote Press, ISBN-10: 1874336326 & ISBN-13: 9781874336327) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
A second Sussex quiz book: winkling out the where, what and why of the whacky, weird and wonderful , by David Arscott and illustrated by Tizzie Knowles, published 1 November 1995 (64 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857700864 & ISBN-13: 9781857700862) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
In Praise of Sussex, by David Arscott and illustrated by David J. Marl, published 1 September 1996 (128 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0951987623 & ISBN-13: 9780951987629) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Dead & Buried in Sussex, A Unique Guide to the County's Strange, Striking and Humorous Epitaphs & Memorials, by David Arscott, published November 1997 (96 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857701437 & ISBN-13: 9781857701432) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Sussex Privies, by David Arscott, published 22 October 1998 (96 pp., Berkshire: Countryside Books, ISBN-10: 185306534X & ISBN-13: 9781853065347) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
What the Vicar Saw: Gloriously Indiscreet Gleanings from the Sussex Parish Registers, by David Arscott, published February 1999 (55 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0951987666 & ISBN-13: 9780951987667) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Sussex Millennium Book, by David Arscott, published October 1999 (24 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0953349349 & ISBN-13: 9780953349340) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Sussex Gardens Book, by David Arscott, published March 2000 (24 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0953349365 & ISBN-13: 9780953349364) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Eastbourne Past and Present, by David Arscott, published 29 November 2001 (128 pp., Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN-10: 075092781X & ISBN-13: 9780750927819) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
In Old Photographs: Horsham Past & Present, by David Arscott, published August 2002 (128 pp., Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN-10: 0750927801 & ISBN-13: 9780750927802) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
Brighton in the News, by David Arscott, published 1 September 2002 (128 pp., Stroud: Sutton Publishing Ltd., ISBN-10: 0750931345 & ISBN-13: 9780750931342) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Amberley Castle 1103-2003: a celebration of 900 years, by David Arscott and Annabelle Hughes, published October 2002 (108 pp., The Dovecote Press, ISBN-10: 1904349048 & ISBN-13: 9781904349044) accessible at: W.S.R.O. [Lib 14823] & West Sussex Libraries
Sussex Bedside Book: A Collection of Prose and Poetry, by David Arscott, published 2003 (160 pp., The Dovecote Press, ISBN-10: 1904349226 & ISBN-13: 9781904349228) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Chailey Heritage: A Hundred Years, by David Arscott, published 31 May 2003 (196 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857702697 & ISBN-13: 9781857702699) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
East Sussex Events: Death, Disaster, War and Weather, by David Arscott, published 1 October 2003 (144 pp., Chichester: Phillimore & Co. Ltd., ISBN-10: 186077251X & ISBN-13: 9781860772511) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:East Sussex has a long and interesting history. This fascinating new book presents for the first time a collection of the most dramatic 'events' in that long history, all, since the invention of the camera, captured by enterprising photographers. A picture speaks a thousand words - and never more so than when it records a moment in history that can never be repeated. Well within living memory, happenings such as the great freeze of 1962-3, or the great hurricane of 1987 will stir recollections for many readers, as will many stories and pictures from the Second World War. But, whatever the period or part of the county, there is a great deal to intrigue and inform everyone in East Sussex in this splendid addition to its published history . . . the stories and the pictures of the events that made the headlines!
Lewes Then and Now, Vol. 2, by Bill Young and David Arscott, published 27 February 2004 (96 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857702875 & ISBN-13: 9781857702873) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:In this second volume of pictures from Lewes old and new, Bill Young in association with David Arscott explore the changes to this historic town that have taken place within living memory. Natives of our county town rediscover street scenes gone forever, while visitors and new residents will be surprised to find how much has changed within the space of a few decades.
This book was in preparation when Bill Young sadly died. One of his wishes for this book was to include some recollections of residents of Lewes who remember with fond memories, places so changed as to barely recognisable.
This book was in preparation when Bill Young sadly died. One of his wishes for this book was to include some recollections of residents of Lewes who remember with fond memories, places so changed as to barely recognisable.
Our Lewes, by David Arscott, published 18 March 2004 (new edition, 128 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0750936649 & ISBN-13: 9780750936644) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Sussex: A Colour Portrait, by David Sellman and David Arscott, published 15 October 2004 (80 pp., Newbury: Countryside Books, ISBN-10: 1853068586 & ISBN-13: 9781853068584) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
The Neat and Nippy Guide to Lewes, by David Arscott, published 1 March 2006 (72 pp., Seaford: S. B. Publications, ISBN-10: 1857703081 & ISBN-13: 9781857703085) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Set among the Sussex downs with a castle, river, brewery, crown courts and county gaol, Lewes is a compact town rich in history. Our nutshell walker's guide explores the attractive High Street and its environs, discovering curiosities and the relics of former times at ever turn.
Generously illustrated, complete with sketch maps, this handy-sized companion is the perfect introduction to the celebrated county town.
David Arscott is well known as a publisher, author and presenter for Radio Sussex. He lives in Lewes with his family
Generously illustrated, complete with sketch maps, this handy-sized companion is the perfect introduction to the celebrated county town.
David Arscott is well known as a publisher, author and presenter for Radio Sussex. He lives in Lewes with his family
Wunt be Druv!, a Salute to the Sussex Dialect, by David Arscott, published 25 October 2006 (96 pp., Berkshire: Countryside Books, ISBN-10: 1846740061 & ISBN-13: 9781846740060) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Dead and Buried in Sussex: Incorporating What the Vicar Saw, by David Arscott, published 23 April 2007 (148 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 0954897552 & ISBN-13: 9780954897550) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Here we have two successful books brought together in one binding.
Dead & Buried in Sussex is the first ever book on the county's abundant churchyard heritage. It traces the colourful history of our epitaphs and memorials, discovering a wealth of striking examples - many of which would never be allowed today. The chapter headings include Words to the Wise (dire warnings), Many a Slip (masons' mistakes), A Pride in the Job (trades and professions) and Gripes and Grievances (memorials with a grudge).
The copious photographs include gruesome death scenes, a smattering of Sussex dialect, some poignant verses and memorials to animals.
What the Vicar Saw is a collection of remarkable marginal comments in the parish records of yesteryear. Vicars often treated the birth, death and marriage registers as if they were their own personal diaries, scrawling witty or contemptuous comments that would have astounded their unsuspecting flock. These secret scribblings reveal a vivid cast of characters gamely struggling against life's adversities - cruel accidents, ghastly diseases and the lurid temptation of sex and drink.
Dead & Buried in Sussex is the first ever book on the county's abundant churchyard heritage. It traces the colourful history of our epitaphs and memorials, discovering a wealth of striking examples - many of which would never be allowed today. The chapter headings include Words to the Wise (dire warnings), Many a Slip (masons' mistakes), A Pride in the Job (trades and professions) and Gripes and Grievances (memorials with a grudge).
The copious photographs include gruesome death scenes, a smattering of Sussex dialect, some poignant verses and memorials to animals.
What the Vicar Saw is a collection of remarkable marginal comments in the parish records of yesteryear. Vicars often treated the birth, death and marriage registers as if they were their own personal diaries, scrawling witty or contemptuous comments that would have astounded their unsuspecting flock. These secret scribblings reveal a vivid cast of characters gamely struggling against life's adversities - cruel accidents, ghastly diseases and the lurid temptation of sex and drink.
A Sussex Kipling: An Anthology of Poetry and Prose, edited by David Arscott, published 27 April 2007 (164 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 095489751X & ISBN-13: 9780954897512) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:This is the first comprehensive anthology of Rudyard Kipling's prose and poetry for many years. It includes practically all his Sussex verse, several short stories, excerpts from his autobiography and a sprinkling of his amusing and idiosyncratic letters.
Kipling lived in Sussex for the greater part of his life, and this illustrated collection is saturated with a profound love of what he called "the most marvellous of all foreign countries that I have ever been in".
We first meet him in Rottingdean, and we follow his escapades as one of the country's pioneer motorists, but it is the Bateman's period which dominates. Here he created the writer's haven we can still visit today- immersing himself in the life of Sussex, telling its history through the children's stories of Puck of Pook's Hill and fashioning a potent literary myth from his study of the Sussex people and their colourful past.
Kipling lived in Sussex for the greater part of his life, and this illustrated collection is saturated with a profound love of what he called "the most marvellous of all foreign countries that I have ever been in".
We first meet him in Rottingdean, and we follow his escapades as one of the country's pioneer motorists, but it is the Bateman's period which dominates. Here he created the writer's haven we can still visit today- immersing himself in the life of Sussex, telling its history through the children's stories of Puck of Pook's Hill and fashioning a potent literary myth from his study of the Sussex people and their colourful past.
A Century of Brighton & Hove: events, people and places over the 20th century, by David Arscott, published 1 November 2007 (128 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0750949074 & ISBN-13: 9780750949071)
Abstract:This fine selection of photographs illustrates the transformation that has taken place in Brighton and Hove during the 20th century, offering insight into the daily lives and living conditions of local people during a century of change.
Tour Along The Sussex Coast, by David Arscott, published 17 October 2008 (96 pp., Snake Piver Press Ltd., ISBN-10: 1906022178 & ISBN-13: 9781906022174) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Brighton: A Very Peculiar History with added Hove, actually, by David Arscott, published 1 November 2009 (121 pp., Brighton: Book House, ISBN-10: 1906714894 & ISBN-13: 9781906714895)
Abstract:Brighton: that curious master of reinvention - whether it's considered 'London by the Sea' or 'England's San Francisco', it's certainly a city with a reputation for being on the edge. Delve deep into the weird and wonderful history of 'Brighthelmstone', and find out how this dreary fishing village became a dazzling playground for the louche and wealthy: from the fashionable Regency period to the age of DJs, Brighton has always been home to the proudly quirky. But it's not all sun, sea and a fish supper! Be sure to avoid the sleazy world of gang fights and murders as portrayed in Graham Greene's 'Brighton Rock', whilst ducking to miss the bottles hurled between the mods and the rockers during the famous beach battles. Fully exploring the ups and downs of a seaside town, it's "Brighton - A Very Peculiar History" . . . with a bit of Hove on the side. Filled with quirky stories and fascinating trivia about Brighton and Hove's history and its people, this title entertains and educates, highlighting everything from Brighton's first origins to its strong presence in popular culture. Fact boxes, a full glossary and index make the book both fun and informative to use. It features gatefold full-colour illustration of Brighton Pavilion.
The Little Book of Sussex, by David Arscott, published 1 September 2011 (204 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 075245871X & ISBN-13: 9780752458717) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries & East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:The Little Book of Sussex is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic, or simply strange information no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, famous sons and daughters, and literally hundreds of wacky facts (plus some authentically bizarre bits of historic trivia). David Arscott's new book gathers together a myriad of data on Sussex. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. With chapters on folklore, history, geography, celebrity Sussexians and much more, this is an ideal book for all those who know and love this quintessentially English county.
Horsham Then & Now, by David Arscott, published 1 October 2011 (96 pp., The History Press, ISBN-10: 0752463462 & ISBN-13: 9780752463469) accessible at: British Library & West Sussex Libraries
Review by Margaret Pearce in Sussex Family Historian in vol. 19 no. 8, December 2011:This captivating pictorial record compares the landscapes of yesteryear with today's busy townscapes. Few Sussex town centres have changed as dramatically as Horsham and this book is a nostalgic guide to discover what remains of old Horsham with coloured photographs of past streets and buildings, shops and businesses and people at work, alongside the modern Horsham. Descriptive captions accompany each photograph.
David Arscott is a well-known author and former newspaper journalist and BBC producer/presenter and has written many books with Sussex themes.
David Arscott is a well-known author and former newspaper journalist and BBC producer/presenter and has written many books with Sussex themes.
Floreat Lewys: 500 Years of Lewes Old Grammar School, by David Arscott, published 8 December 2012 (180 pp., Pomegranate Press, ISBN-10: 1907242333 & ISBN-13: 9781907242335) accessible at: East Sussex Libraries
Abstract:In 1512, during the reign of Henry VIII, the wealthy widow Agnes Morley left money in her will for a free school at Southover, close to the majestic pile of Lewes Priory. The priory was soon to be destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries, but the school went on to survive centuries of religious, political and economic upheaval.
David Arscott's tracing of its colourful story sets the ups and downs of what is now Lewes Old Grammar School in the context both of Lewes history and the development of education as a whole throughout the country. The book's second section features the 2012 celebrations of LOGS' proud quincentenary.
David Arscott's tracing of its colourful story sets the ups and downs of what is now Lewes Old Grammar School in the context both of Lewes history and the development of education as a whole throughout the country. The book's second section features the 2012 celebrations of LOGS' proud quincentenary.