Daniel Blagg's book, "Bermuda Atlas and Gazetteer'' is fit for royalty and was presented to Princess Anne on her recent visit by Premier Jennifer Smith and would make a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone.

It is an incredible reference book all about Bermuda, organised by parish, offering over 400 pages of historical text with beautiful watercolours and humorous little Gombey rhymes throughout. Additionally, there are 16 colourful maps of Bermuda.

"Perhaps the most informative and enjoyable Bermudian Book since William Zuill's Bermuda Journey,'' according to past editor of the Royal Gazette , David White.

The author explains that Bermuda's bays, lanes and other places often commemorate local families, house names and other landmarks. Some place names derive from events in the island's history and others are just plain funny.

For example, over in Hamilton Parish "Fractious Street memorialises a cantankerous horse and Turkey Hill in St. George's is called such because of the lively commerce between Bermuda and the American colonies where Bermuda exported 30,000 turkeys in 1762.

Another interesting example are Witchery Drive and Witchery Lane located at the western end of the long, upland valley where Ord Road runs to Harbour Road.

"The street names are drawn from sordid events of the mid -17th century when Bermudians were witch-hunting. There were a total of 26 witch trials in the colony and, although most of the unfortunate men and women accused of the crime were acquitted, six were ultimately convicted and executed at St.

George's,'' writes Mr. Blagg.

It took Mr. Blagg six years to write this book which was a gratifying experience for him.

He explained: "The subject matter was very interesting and I had the support and assistance of many dependable people such as Dee Block, a friend for over 30 years, who has a vast collection of Bermudian books.'' The book is a wonderful source of information and has been very well received.

XL Mid ocean Reinsurance bought two copies for each school library in Bermuda.

The author explained the origins of his book. When he worked as the fundraising director for the Bermuda National Trust some tourists stopped by one day before leaving and asked: "Why is Ireland Island called Ireland Island? Why is Foot of the Lane called Foot of the Lane?'' These queries prompted him to visit John Adams at archives to seek a reference book but there was no such book.

He began reading every Bermuda book he could get his hands on and Bermuda history became an obsession for him.

Through his work at the Trust he had the amazing good fortune to offer some free accommodation to a young visitor named Mike Jarris, an archaeologist from William and Mary College working on his doctorate degree in Bermuda history.

"Mike was a professional historian who had transcribed the Bermuda Colonial Records in London and his notes helped me profoundly,'' advised Mr. Blagg.

Over 2000 copies of this fine book have been sold and about 1,000 remain. The author is hoping the book will sell out.

At book signings Mr. Blagg beams with satisfaction when people share their positive comments about it.

He recalled one couple saying: "We splurged and bought your book but it was money well spent as our children use it and we all love it. We carry it around in the car and now and then research different road names and things like that.'' "I didn't go into it to make money, but I am very proud and pleased that so many people like it. Teachers tell me they use it frequently,'' Mr. Blagg concluded with a warm smile.

Cover and author: Left: Look for this book jacket in the book stores written by Daniel Blagg, right.