Books by the dozen for author John
A Shropshire author explores the county's rich military heritage in his latest book - his 12th since his first was published in 2003.
“Shropshire's Military Heritage” by John Shipley of Bridgnorth follows the development of all things military in Shropshire from the earliest times, particularly concerning the two regular army regiments associated with the county, the 53rd and the 85th Regiments of Foot which came together to form the King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
Together with the Shropshire Yeomanry they served with distinction in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts. The book also details Shropshire's role in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
John’s first five books were football histories, and four hardback westerns followed, the first three published under the pen name of Jake Shipley.
Born in Wednesbury in the West Midlands, John says he has been an avid reader since he was a boy, with writers including H G Wells and Jules Verne firing his imagination. He began his working life as an apprentice draughtsman, rising to chief draughtsman, then to sales, progressing from salesman to sales and marketing director, and ultimately to managing director, in that time writing many technical and sales guides, promotion booklets, and articles.
He and his wife Kate moved to Bridgnorth in 1968.
Typically he will have several books on the go at a time, and is currently working on two more books for publishers Amberley - "50 Gems of Shropshire," and "Secret Shrewsbury," both scheduled for publication later this year.
He says he is also working on a paranormal thriller, and two more westerns, plus putting the finishing touches to two crime thrillers.
"Shropshire's Military Heritage" is published by Amberley and costs £14.99.
