The book itself is long out of print, and when I've seen copies on line they've been prohibitively expensive, but this one came in at around a tenner which I was happy to pay. All the pictures and more are available on Kidd's website but there's something about having the book...
It's a remarkable document of a point in the islands history - it's something to be grateful for that someone was on hand with the specific intention of documenting it - which makes it a welcome addition to my small Shetland bookshelf (it also means I'll no longer be tempted to pinch my fathers copy).
Hello - I worked in a bank in Lerwick from 1978-81. All good things come to an end and sadly by March 1981 I had to say goodbye to my island home. Before leaving, however, I remember buying a lovely little book (for £6.95) called 'Life in Shetland' - with photographs by Tom Kidd.
ReplyDeleteTo cut a long story short, the book continues to hold a great deal of meaning for me. I have an empathy with the people portrayed and even recognise some of the faces; I can relate to places and events e.g. the Dan-Air accident at Sumburgh as I was on a flight out of Sumburgh just the week after that fatal accident. The photography (in wonderful black & white) captured everyday life so well in the Shetland of that era and I pick the book off the shelf when I feel especially sentimental for times past.
I would dearly love to gift a copy of 'Life in Shetland' to my one-time flatmate but regretfully my search has been in vain. I communicated with the author, Tom Kidd, back in 2014 but understand that the book was out of print even by that date.
I appreciate this is a long shot but perhaps you may be able to put me in touch with someone prepared to sell me a copy of the book, in good condition and for a reasonable price.
Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated: thank you for taking the time to read this message.
Alexander M. Weir
e sandyweir1954@gmail.com