Gerry Brooke looks at a new Then and Now picture book about the City Docks.

Newcomers to Bristol often ask me what the old City Docks - the Floating Harbour - was like a generation ago, before it became a living museum and leisure area.

Well, a new picture book, just out in time for the harbour’s 200th anniversary celebrations, fits the bill nicely.

Local author Brian Lewis provides the reader with nearly 200 “Then and Now” pictures, snapshots which enable you to wonder through the old docks and discover what was happening at each location many years ago.

As a kind of time travel it’s a great idea.

Brian has also done a thorough job with his well researched captions - always useful for those readers who want to know a little more.

To complement these photos - and to help you get your bearings - the author has also included a dozen or so fascinating aerial shots.

Bristol City Docks through time by Brian Lewis is published by Amberley and costs £12.99