launched yesterday by the Bermuda National Trust.

`Sandys', the third volume in the series Bermuda's Architectural Heritage, contains, according to Trust director Amanda Outerbridge, "fascinating stories, photos, maps and drawings of Bermuda's `built heritage',''.

The book joins two other volumes on the Island's architecture, entitled `St.

George's' and `Devonshire'.

Ms Outerbridge explained that the volume "weaves a tale that describes not just the buildings in the western end of the Island, but also the people who used them and the events that took place in and around them.'' The research, writing, and editing of the book were not the work of just one individual, but of a team of volunteers, including former Trust president David L. White.

One of the other volunteers on the project, Margie Lloyd, said: "As well as talking to older residents of the parish and going through deeds which owners kindly made available, there was a lot of digging in the government records.'' "One important element of the research is cross checking references to separate fact from fiction,'' Ms Lloyd added. "The team is dedicated to making these publications accurate as well as interesting.'' Ms Outerbridge added that the book "describes Bermuda's distinctive architecture and its evolution in the west end. It also discusses the history of the parish and the ways it was -- and is -- different from the rest of the Island.'' " As well as homes,'' she continued, "there are stories about churches and other public buildings and the construction of the Royal Naval Dockyard.'' "We are grateful to Margie Lloyd and her dedicated volunteer team who have done such a wonderful job and to Bacardi international, who generously sponsor this important project,'' Ms Outerbridge said.

The softcover edition is available at retailers throughout the Island, including Trustworthy shops in St. George's and Hamilton, at $24.95.

The hardcover edition of just 400 numbered copies is available directly from Trustworthy or at Trust offices at Waterville in Paget, at $100 a copy.