The Search for Old Wirral mined a new vein in 1984. The author realised that most of the Wirral histories dealt with the modern period. In concentrating on the period from the Romans (AD 43) to the Civil War (1640) he assembled the peninsula’s earlier story from an extensive range of written and historical sources. At the time, it was the most extensively illustrated book on Wirral with original photographs supplemented by archive material and line drawings.

David Randall: "The aim of this book was really to promote history on the doorstep, to encourage the reader to visit the historic places for themselves either in person or via research in a library. I was encouraged in this enterprise by many professionals, some teachers, some the custodians of Wirral’s historic buildings."

"The book was also unique in 1984 because it was possibly the first major book production by a truly local company, Countyvise, and it became their flagship title. I always thought the photos could have been done better in the original, a result of the print technology at that time rather than any mishap with the camera! I am pleased to say that in the revised edition, all the photographs look better and the publishers have taken the opportunity to increase the amount of colour throughout."

Will those who already have a copy of the book, find anything different? "Apart from the photos, the opportunity has been taken to revise the text where appropriate. Wirral’s early history might just need the occasional tweaking for posterity, the changes are subtle, but overall it is a worthwhile revision and will look different. The paperback size is less cumbersome and hopefully it may secure a regular space in the glove compartment, or in the biker’s backpack."