Oxfordshire author's new book tells story of doctor-coroner

Probing Deaths, Saving Lives will be the first photo-illustrated book about Dr John Birt Davies, and has been written by his great-great granddaughter, Oxfordshire-based Angela Coulter.

The book, which will be published on September 28, will feature excerpts from the thousands of inquests he led, and will also cover key events in Birmingham's history, including the development of its hospitals, medical school, and public campaigns for political and social reform.

Angela Coulter's new book, Probing Deaths, Saving Lives (Image: Troubador Publishing) Ms Coulter, who was a health researcher at Oxford University, said: "The only facts I knew about him before I began the research that led to this book were that his family came from Wales and he lived most of his life in Birmingham.

"On delving a bit deeper, I was thrilled to discover that he had been a significant public health pioneer and major figure in Birmingham at a fascinating time in its history.

"Having worked as a public health researcher for many years, I understood his passion for social and medical reform and could empathise with his desire to improve the lot of his fellow citizens.

"Venerated by civic admirers in his day but now largely forgotten, most of the thousands of people who drive past his prominent memorial clock every day will be unaware of his fascinating life, so I felt it was high time his story was told."