Fascinating new book on Jericho is published in Oxford

Jericho Oxford - an 80-page read packed with photos and illustrations - charts the origins of the neighbourhood and its development over the decades.

It has been backed by the Lucy Group and other supporters, published by the Jericho Co-operative, and distributed by Chris Andrews Publications.

Oxford author Philip Pullman has written the foreword, entitled The Bohemian Republic of Jericho.

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In his foreword, he wrote: "I have never lived in Jericho but I consider myself a citizen and I bristle with indignation when this vivid and interesting part of the city is under siege.

"I lament the loss of every curious corner, I deplore the creeping invasion by the forces of Greedi-Build plc, I abominate the disappearance of old landmarks and familiar views.

"Some years ago the city council decided to spare Jericho the sort of wholesale clearance that had taken place in St Ebbes.

"The result is that we can still walk through the little streets between Walton Street and the canal and feel that here is a place made to a human measure."

John Mair, who lives in Jericho and has led a number of community projects, said he was delighted the book was now published.

He added: "Curating a good book is like making a great soup - you need the right starting point, the right ingredients at the right time and the right amount of cooking.

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"When it was time to find the first big cook - an Oxford publisher, there was none bigger than Chris Andrews, who has sold literally millions of postcards and books of the city over the last four decades.

"Chris is Mr Oxford Publishing, and was keen especially since he used to work in the Radcliffe Infirmary and live in Juxon Street both in Jericho.

He has driven the book to publication in record time. Faster than even he thought possible." 

Mr Mair added that local artists Valerie Petts and Weimin He have also made contributions.

"Valerie Petts has been beavering away at her brilliant Jericho paintings for decades," he said.

"She was very generous in letting us have a wide selection.They show the changing nature of Jericho as well as its beauty. Weimin He was the artist in residence for the first stage of the new Radcliffe Observatory Quarter was equally generous. His eye for the unusual make for stunning drawings. They are in."

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Chris Andrews, a professional photographer was well as a successful publisher, has also included a number of his own photos.

Jericho Oxford is available from Blackwells, other Oxford bookshops, local shops and restaurants in Jericho, Amazon, and directly from myjericho.co.uk, price £20. 

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF