The Little Book of the Black Country is a funny, fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of the sort of frivolous, fantastic or simply strange information which no-one will want to be without. Here we find out about the region's most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, quirky history, famous sons and daughters and literally hundreds of wacky facts. Michael Pearson's new book gathers together a myriad of data on the Black Country. Here you can find everything from Royal visits and local celebrities to the riotous Wednesbury protests, the hauntings at Dudley castle and plenty more. There are lots of factual chapters but also plenty of frivolous details which will amuse and surprise. A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something you never knew. This is a remarkably engaging little book, and is essential reading for visitors and locals alike. AUTHOR: Michael Pearson is a retired police inspector with a passion for local history. He has been the editor of The Blackcountryman, and has written two local history titles dealing with crime and genealogy.