Colin Duncan Taylor
@colinduncantaylor.com
Based in the south of France for 25 years, I am an author who specialises in history, landscapes and gastronomy on both sides of the Pyrenees.
My new book is on the shelves in what claims to be the UK's oldest bookshop, Hatchards on Piccadilly, founded in 1797, acquired by Waterstones in 1998. You will also find a copy in many other branches of the Waterstones empire. Thank you, Emma, for the photo. #bookshop #lovepyrenees
September 15, 2026 at 7:46 AM
My new book is on the shelves in what claims to be the UK's oldest bookshop, Hatchards on Piccadilly, founded in 1797, acquired by Waterstones in 1998. You will also find a copy in many other branches of the Waterstones empire. Thank you, Emma, for the photo. #bookshop #lovepyrenees
MEGALITHS OF THE PYRENEES Enjoy these pictures of some of the finest menhirs and dolmens in the Pyrenees. If you want to know their names and locations, message me.
Find out more about their story in THE PYRENEES A HUMAN HISTORY just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social #lovepyrenees #megaliths
Find out more about their story in THE PYRENEES A HUMAN HISTORY just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social #lovepyrenees #megaliths
September 11, 2026 at 5:55 AM
MEGALITHS OF THE PYRENEES Enjoy these pictures of some of the finest menhirs and dolmens in the Pyrenees. If you want to know their names and locations, message me.
Find out more about their story in THE PYRENEES A HUMAN HISTORY just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social #lovepyrenees #megaliths
Find out more about their story in THE PYRENEES A HUMAN HISTORY just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social #lovepyrenees #megaliths
This lovely little slide show was put together by my marketing friends @yalebooks.bsky.social using some of my photos. I hope it piques your interest and encourages you to find out more about my book, or even to buy it! #lovepyrenees #pyrenees #newbook
September 10, 2026 at 1:13 PM
This lovely little slide show was put together by my marketing friends @yalebooks.bsky.social using some of my photos. I hope it piques your interest and encourages you to find out more about my book, or even to buy it! #lovepyrenees #pyrenees #newbook
I spotted this fine collection of old tractors along the road from Pamplona to Roncesvalles in the Spanish Pyrenees. The three red ones in the foreground were made by Barreiros in the 1960s, a Spanish company which also manufactured automobiles and commercial vehicles. #lovepyrenees #tractors
September 9, 2026 at 7:46 AM
I spotted this fine collection of old tractors along the road from Pamplona to Roncesvalles in the Spanish Pyrenees. The three red ones in the foreground were made by Barreiros in the 1960s, a Spanish company which also manufactured automobiles and commercial vehicles. #lovepyrenees #tractors
PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE USA! When I was in Pamplona last week, I showed Ernest Hemingway my new book about the Pyrenees. His statue props up the bar inside the Cafe Iruña. I’m sure he’ll buy a copy, either here in Europe, or when he returns to his homeland. @yalebooks.bsky.social
September 8, 2026 at 7:52 AM
PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE USA! When I was in Pamplona last week, I showed Ernest Hemingway my new book about the Pyrenees. His statue props up the bar inside the Cafe Iruña. I’m sure he’ll buy a copy, either here in Europe, or when he returns to his homeland. @yalebooks.bsky.social
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SUMMER FETE – CHALABRE 11230
For those of you who are lucky enough to be located in south-west France, why not join me at the summer fête being held TOMORROW by the Twilight retirement home for dogs? Clothes, jewellery, cakes, books and much more. Hope to see you there!
For those of you who are lucky enough to be located in south-west France, why not join me at the summer fête being held TOMORROW by the Twilight retirement home for dogs? Clothes, jewellery, cakes, books and much more. Hope to see you there!
September 4, 2026 at 5:17 AM
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SUMMER FETE – CHALABRE 11230
For those of you who are lucky enough to be located in south-west France, why not join me at the summer fête being held TOMORROW by the Twilight retirement home for dogs? Clothes, jewellery, cakes, books and much more. Hope to see you there!
For those of you who are lucky enough to be located in south-west France, why not join me at the summer fête being held TOMORROW by the Twilight retirement home for dogs? Clothes, jewellery, cakes, books and much more. Hope to see you there!
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SUMMER FETE – CHALABRE 11230
If you live in south-west France, why not join us at the summer fête being held by Twilight retirement home for dogs on 5 September? I shall be showcasing my latest book, ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’, just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social
If you live in south-west France, why not join us at the summer fête being held by Twilight retirement home for dogs on 5 September? I shall be showcasing my latest book, ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’, just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social
August 28, 2026 at 8:48 AM
SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – SUMMER FETE – CHALABRE 11230
If you live in south-west France, why not join us at the summer fête being held by Twilight retirement home for dogs on 5 September? I shall be showcasing my latest book, ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’, just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social
If you live in south-west France, why not join us at the summer fête being held by Twilight retirement home for dogs on 5 September? I shall be showcasing my latest book, ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’, just published by @yalebooks.bsky.social
In 1086, King Sancho Ramirez began building the Castillo de Montearagón because he needed a base from which he would be able to direct the siege of Huesca, 5 km to the west. Eight years later, the king died within the walls of his castle from a wound suffered during the fighting. #lovepyrenees
August 27, 2026 at 6:57 AM
In 1086, King Sancho Ramirez began building the Castillo de Montearagón because he needed a base from which he would be able to direct the siege of Huesca, 5 km to the west. Eight years later, the king died within the walls of his castle from a wound suffered during the fighting. #lovepyrenees
Producing an elevator pitch is a challenge for authors and many other professionals. At the request of my publisher, @yalebooks.bsky.social I produced this 30-second video for my new book. I found it much easier to do than writing a couple of sentences on a computer screen. #newbook #pyrenees
August 25, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Producing an elevator pitch is a challenge for authors and many other professionals. At the request of my publisher, @yalebooks.bsky.social I produced this 30-second video for my new book. I found it much easier to do than writing a couple of sentences on a computer screen. #newbook #pyrenees
Now in its 19th year, the Grand Raid des Pyrénées attracts 8,500 runners to its 8 trail running races. I took these photos yesterday during the 53 km Tour de Bastan. Perhaps they will encourage you to join the party next year, or maybe you’ll decide to stay well away! #pyrenees
August 21, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Now in its 19th year, the Grand Raid des Pyrénées attracts 8,500 runners to its 8 trail running races. I took these photos yesterday during the 53 km Tour de Bastan. Perhaps they will encourage you to join the party next year, or maybe you’ll decide to stay well away! #pyrenees
There must be easier ways to promote my book! The Tour de Bastan starts tomorrow morning at 07.00, 53 km and 3,000 meters of climbing in rugged mountain terrain. I hope I finish, preferably in less than 12 hours! @yalebooks.bsky.social
August 19, 2026 at 3:16 PM
There must be easier ways to promote my book! The Tour de Bastan starts tomorrow morning at 07.00, 53 km and 3,000 meters of climbing in rugged mountain terrain. I hope I finish, preferably in less than 12 hours! @yalebooks.bsky.social
One week today, my Pyrenees book will be published! Also, @yalebooks.bsky.social has just added a ‘See inside' button on its website so you can read a few chapters for free. The Kindle version is now on sale too. yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... #newbook #lovepyrenees #FrHistory
August 18, 2026 at 7:35 AM
One week today, my Pyrenees book will be published! Also, @yalebooks.bsky.social has just added a ‘See inside' button on its website so you can read a few chapters for free. The Kindle version is now on sale too. yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... #newbook #lovepyrenees #FrHistory
A BOOK FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN SOCIAL HISTORY OR THE GEORGIAN PERIOD. ‘Masquerade’ traces the history of this elitist entertainment over a period of a century from 1713, with the help of the impresarios who staged these costly events, and the guests who attended them. @yalebooks.bsky.social
August 16, 2026 at 1:23 PM
A BOOK FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN SOCIAL HISTORY OR THE GEORGIAN PERIOD. ‘Masquerade’ traces the history of this elitist entertainment over a period of a century from 1713, with the help of the impresarios who staged these costly events, and the guests who attended them. @yalebooks.bsky.social
When the Franks were fighting the Moors in 778, Roland was pursued to the top of the left-hand rock. To escape, he spurred his steed into taking an enormous leap from one pillar to the next, a distance of 700 metres above a chasm 300 metres deep. Hence the name: Roland's Leap. #lovepyrenees
August 15, 2026 at 12:31 PM
When the Franks were fighting the Moors in 778, Roland was pursued to the top of the left-hand rock. To escape, he spurred his steed into taking an enormous leap from one pillar to the next, a distance of 700 metres above a chasm 300 metres deep. Hence the name: Roland's Leap. #lovepyrenees
“Although older than the Alps, the Pyrenees remain far less well known . . . Taylor's account is an absorbing romp through this human story.”—Ettie Neil-Gallacher, ‘The Field’, August 2026. What nice words from the first press review of my new book! #bookreview @yalebooks.bsky.social
August 14, 2026 at 9:12 AM
“Although older than the Alps, the Pyrenees remain far less well known . . . Taylor's account is an absorbing romp through this human story.”—Ettie Neil-Gallacher, ‘The Field’, August 2026. What nice words from the first press review of my new book! #bookreview @yalebooks.bsky.social
WHAT IS A SPEAR-THROWER? Well, it’s not this lady throwing a spear, and the video reveals the answer. You can discover much more about Pyrenean prehistoric life in my new book, THE PYRENEES: A HUMAN HISTORY, published by the fantastec @yalebooks.bsky.social
#lovepyrenees #pyrenees #FrHistory
#lovepyrenees #pyrenees #FrHistory
August 13, 2026 at 6:58 AM
WHAT IS A SPEAR-THROWER? Well, it’s not this lady throwing a spear, and the video reveals the answer. You can discover much more about Pyrenean prehistoric life in my new book, THE PYRENEES: A HUMAN HISTORY, published by the fantastec @yalebooks.bsky.social
#lovepyrenees #pyrenees #FrHistory
#lovepyrenees #pyrenees #FrHistory
THE ROCKY ROAD TO SUCCESS: this path led me to a mountain pass which was at the heart of a trade deal signed in 1347. Every step was worthwhile because in exactly two weeks' time, ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’ will be released by @yalebooks.bsky.social and my publishing dream will come true.
August 11, 2026 at 3:09 PM
THE ROCKY ROAD TO SUCCESS: this path led me to a mountain pass which was at the heart of a trade deal signed in 1347. Every step was worthwhile because in exactly two weeks' time, ‘The Pyrenees: A Human History’ will be released by @yalebooks.bsky.social and my publishing dream will come true.
Yesterday, we held a garden party to launch my new book, ‘THE PYRENEES: A HUMAN HISTORY’ published by @yalebooks.bsky.social . Thank you to everyone who came and bought a copy, and thank you Donna for baking, cooking, being in charge of the sales desk and wearing the tee-shirt. #booklaunch #pyrenees
August 10, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Yesterday, we held a garden party to launch my new book, ‘THE PYRENEES: A HUMAN HISTORY’ published by @yalebooks.bsky.social . Thank you to everyone who came and bought a copy, and thank you Donna for baking, cooking, being in charge of the sales desk and wearing the tee-shirt. #booklaunch #pyrenees
This 3-m high statue of a cyclist at the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees was created by Jean-Bernard Métais in 1995. In winter it is transferred to the village of Gerde on the outskirts of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. #lovepyrenees #pyrenees
August 5, 2026 at 2:45 PM
This 3-m high statue of a cyclist at the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees was created by Jean-Bernard Métais in 1995. In winter it is transferred to the village of Gerde on the outskirts of Bagnères-de-Bigorre. #lovepyrenees #pyrenees
The monastery of Santa María de Alaón nestles inside a bend of the Noguera Ribagorçana river in the Spanish Pyrenees. Founded under Visigoth rule, the original buildings were destroyed when the Moors took control of the Iberian Peninsula. What we see today dates from the 12th century. #pyrenees
August 5, 2026 at 11:05 AM
The monastery of Santa María de Alaón nestles inside a bend of the Noguera Ribagorçana river in the Spanish Pyrenees. Founded under Visigoth rule, the original buildings were destroyed when the Moors took control of the Iberian Peninsula. What we see today dates from the 12th century. #pyrenees
Experience the world’s only prehistoric drive-through at Mas d’Azil in this short video. This cave has a main road running through it, offering travellers a unique drive-through experience, even by bike. youtu.be/eLQDRHwgMuk
#pyrenees #prehistoricjourney #caves #lovepyrenees #FrHistory
#pyrenees #prehistoricjourney #caves #lovepyrenees #FrHistory
July 31, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Experience the world’s only prehistoric drive-through at Mas d’Azil in this short video. This cave has a main road running through it, offering travellers a unique drive-through experience, even by bike. youtu.be/eLQDRHwgMuk
#pyrenees #prehistoricjourney #caves #lovepyrenees #FrHistory
#pyrenees #prehistoricjourney #caves #lovepyrenees #FrHistory
I recently captured this view of the Châteaux de Foix. In 1930, a certain Monsieur Champseix must have stood on the same spot to find inspiration for the railway company publicity poster that features on the cover of my new book about the Pyrenees. @yalebooks.bsky.social #pyrenees #lovepyrenees
July 28, 2026 at 10:29 AM
I recently captured this view of the Châteaux de Foix. In 1930, a certain Monsieur Champseix must have stood on the same spot to find inspiration for the railway company publicity poster that features on the cover of my new book about the Pyrenees. @yalebooks.bsky.social #pyrenees #lovepyrenees
The clocktower and covered market of Revel, resplendent after two years of painstaking restoration. This royal bastide was founded in 1342, and the clocktower has at various times housed the town’s council chamber, prison, museum, tourist office, and the town crier and his family. #FrHistory
July 25, 2026 at 8:32 AM
The clocktower and covered market of Revel, resplendent after two years of painstaking restoration. This royal bastide was founded in 1342, and the clocktower has at various times housed the town’s council chamber, prison, museum, tourist office, and the town crier and his family. #FrHistory
The Tribute of the Three Cows claims to be the oldest treaty still in force in Europe today, and it takes place on 13 July every year. I attended the 650th edition last week and made this short video: www.colinduncantaylor.com/videos/v/tri...
@yalebooks.bsky.social #pyrenees #lovepyrenees
@yalebooks.bsky.social #pyrenees #lovepyrenees
July 23, 2026 at 11:37 AM
The Tribute of the Three Cows claims to be the oldest treaty still in force in Europe today, and it takes place on 13 July every year. I attended the 650th edition last week and made this short video: www.colinduncantaylor.com/videos/v/tri...
@yalebooks.bsky.social #pyrenees #lovepyrenees
@yalebooks.bsky.social #pyrenees #lovepyrenees
For UK readers who would like to pre-order my new book, Waterstones is offering 25% off the cover price for all online orders placed by close of play on 24 July. To get the discount, follow the link and use the promotional code SUMMER26: www.waterstones.com/book/the-pyr... @yalebooks.bsky.social
July 21, 2026 at 2:43 PM
For UK readers who would like to pre-order my new book, Waterstones is offering 25% off the cover price for all online orders placed by close of play on 24 July. To get the discount, follow the link and use the promotional code SUMMER26: www.waterstones.com/book/the-pyr... @yalebooks.bsky.social