CHANGE RINGING - The History of an English Art

The first volume deals with the developments up to 1699. Drawing upon old and newly-researched evidence it tells the fascinating story of how change ringing developed through the political and social upheavals of the time. Using extracts from books, diaries, churchwardens' accounts, poems, etc., it offers fresh insights into the everyday lives and social restrictions of the change ringer and into the development of bell-hanging. In addition, there is an invaluable introductory section which outlines briefly but clearly how bells are rung and how changes are produced.

Distilling the collective knowledge of experts, this book offers an authoratative, yet eminently readable account of those early years of change ringing. Illustrated with new half-tones and drawings, it should find its way, not only to the shelves of devotees of the art, but also to those of historians, social historians, and anyone interested in ecclesiastical matters.

ISBN 0 900271 51 5

Volume 2
This is the second volume of the definitive series on the history and development of the unique science and art of bell ringing, published by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. The period from 1700-1799 saw activity in bell ringing which posed new challenges and stimulated techniques in method ringing. Cyril Wratten and John Eisel have shared their researches and expert knowledge to set these in context. Social aspects; bell inscriptions and augmentations; the text books produced for the ringers to use, all show how the concepts and attitudes were altering. Compositiuons written in contemporary style are incomprehensible without long and painstaking analysis. In this volume John Eisel has decoded many touches and extents which are now published in modern notation for the first time.

ISBN 0 900271 52 3

Volume 3
This is the third volume of the definitive series on the history and development of the unique science and art of bell ringing, published by the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. Volume 3 covers the same period as volume 2: 1700-1799, but William T. Cook and Cyril A. Wrattan look at the ringing activities area by area. The late Bill Cook makes clear the incredible complexities of ringing activities and achievements in and linked with London; Cyril Wrattan analyses the great variations and accomplishments of the rest of the country.

ISBN 0 900271 53 1