Published in 1927, Bath and Wells: A Sketch-Book is exactly what the title promises. D.S. Andrews doesn't give us a chronological history or a tourist guide. Instead, he takes us by the arm for a series of thoughtful walks. We see Bath not just as a Georgian spa town, but through the older, Roman layers beneath it. We experience Wells Cathedral not as a monument, but as a living, breathing space where light and shadow play across the stone. The 'plot' is simply the author's observations, moving from the grand facades to the tucked-away alleys, piecing together the character of each place from a hundred small details.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a masterclass in paying attention. Andrews writes with a calm, precise eye that makes you slow down. He finds drama in the wear of a step, and personality in the curve of a roof. Reading it feels like clearing your head. It’s less about learning facts and more about sharing a mood—one of reflection and gentle curiosity. In our fast-paced world, there’s something deeply restorative about seeing a place through the eyes of someone who took the time to really look.

Final Verdict

This is a quiet gem for a specific reader. It’s perfect for armchair travelers, lovers of English history and architecture, or anyone who enjoys essays that savor the texture of a place. If you’re looking for a plot-driven novel or a straightforward history, look elsewhere. But if you want a short, peaceful book that transports you completely and teaches you how to see the history under your own feet, Andrews’s sketchbook is a wonderful, timeless little find.