'The Long and the Short of General John Burgoyne's Maid of the Oaks', compiled and edited by Paul V Williams, has been extensively researched and documents in much detail the first Fete-Champetre - an outdoor extravaganza - to be staged in 18th Century England; and includes the text of the musical play that the Fete inspired, namely 'The Maid of the Oaks.

Drawing upon much background material, Mr Williams vividly describes the Fete that took place in the grounds of the 11th Earl of Derby's home, The Oaks in Carshalton, Surrey. The many contemporary engravings contained in the book also add to its fascination. The unprecedented occasion of the Fete was so lavish that it inspired British Army General and dramatist, John Burgoyne, to adapt the music and the masque he had written for the Fete to a witty stage musical play 'The Maid of the Oaks', which achieved a highly successful twenty-one year run at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, under the direction of leading actor-manager, David Garrick. The Earl's Surrey estate, incidentally, was also to witness the inception of two of the most famous horse races of all time - The Epsom Derby and The Oaks.

The author, Paul Williams, knew The Oaks as a boy until the house was demolished in the 1960s; and through his dedication, he has brought to life an intriguing story which will undoutedly captivate local historians and students of the English theatre; as well as interest those with a curiosity in the history of horse-racing.