Britain’s Lost Cities, by Gavin Stamp.

Published by Aurum Press, £25

This new hardback makes for both an inspiring and somewhat depressing read as we learn of the destruction inflicted on Britain’s historic buildings by the combined might of the German Luftwaffe and our own city planners. Through historic photographs and painstaking research, Stamp provides a detailed evocation of Britain’s lost architectural heritage. A stirring reminder of the importance of preserving our historic buildings.