There are already a good number of books about Harpenden, including booklets produced by the Harpenden & District Local History Society and this small booklet is an ideal introduction to the history of the town. It typically covers the main areas of interest with about a page of text and a small illustration, and there are two good maps.  Topics covered include the coming of the railways, early schooling, John Bennet Lawes and Rothamsted, the growth of the town, the churches, the world wars, and entertainment. It ends with a very useful bibliography.