'The Blackcountryman' is the society's quarterly magazine. In the 150+ issues published in the past 39 years there have been over 2,000 authoritative articles on all aspects of the Black Country by historians, researchers, teachers, students, subject experts and folk with an extraordinary tale to tell.

In addition, some 500 books written during that period on Black Country subjects have been reviewed in the magazines.

The whole 39-volume collection constitutes a unique resource for teachers, students, researches and anyone with a general interest in the Black Country.

Several local libraries have complete sets and an index available for reference.

At least 2,000 magazines are printed each quarter, each of the 2,000 or so members has a copy delivered and there are sales outlets throughout the Black Country.

The magazine is non-commercial and nobody receives payment for their articles. This publication is the most important of the Black Country Society.

The 'contents' page of each 84-page A5 magazine lists some 20+ items including details of the programmes of six affiliated groups, a profile of a Black Country Personality, about 10 substantial articles, several lighter ones, Black Country humour, occasional poetry, correspondence, and book reviews.

There is a coloured cover and about 20 photographs in each issue.

Two national history publications have named 'The Blackcountryman' as a leading magazine in the field of local history.

From 1968 until 1988 the late Harold Parsons was the editor. His 'Portrait of the Black Country', published by Robert Hale, London 1986, went to a reprint and a re-issue in paperback form; it is widely recognised as the standard general book on The Black Country.

Stan Hill, Editor from when he retired in 1988 until October 2001 spent 40 years in the education service, the last 20 of which he was warden of Dudley Teachers' Centre at Himley Hall, where he was involved with teams of teachers introducing local studies in schools.

David Cox then took over as Editor, who has recently completed a PhD in Criminal Justice History after gaining an MA in History from the Open University. David's last issue was the 150th (Summer 2005).

The current Editor, Michael Pearson, also administers the society website. You will notice that enhanced articles from the magazine will appear on the website and the link between web and paper products will become closer.

The Blackcountryman is delivered free to members and is also available from local outlets, or by post for �3.50 including UK post + package. Back issues are available by emailing the Editor (see foot of page), these cost £2.00 (up to and including issue 39/3, £3.50 from issue 39/3 onwards) including UK post and package. Some magazines are out of stock.

The first 10 volumes (40 issues) are now available on CD-ROM for those who cannot find copies of the magazine. Please go to the publications page for details, and a special offer when purchasing via the website.

email the web master Mick Pearson:
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