PB.

History · Faith · Art · Legend

Books by
Peter Balanck

Inviting, richly informed books that make unfamiliar worlds feel close—whether decoding the Church of England or stepping into the art and legends of Camelot.

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Portrait of author Peter Balanck

Author, historian and collector

The books

Curiosity, clearly told

Church of England Unpacked — front cover
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Church of England Unpacked

An A–Z Guide to Its Jargon, Roles, Worship & Peculiar Vocabulary

Ever wondered what a PCC actually does—or found yourself lost among the Church of England’s titles, traditions and acronyms? Written in everyday language, this friendly reference begins with a very short history and a guide to who does what, before opening into a practical A–Z.

Especially useful for new and prospective PCC members, it is also an approachable companion for anyone puzzled by Anglican language, organisation or worship.

Paperback · First edition, 2026 · ISBN 978-1-83709-878-1

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Camelot in Colour — front cover
Just released

Camelot in Colour

Fifty Pre-Raphaelite Visions of the Arthurian Legend

Enter the haunting and heroic world of Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin and the Holy Grail through fifty luminous works of Pre-Raphaelite and Victorian art. Each image is paired with an accessible account of the legend and an illuminating commentary on the artwork.

With short introductions to the possible history behind Arthur and the Victorian revival that gave Camelot its enduring visual form, this richly illustrated hardback brings story and art together.

Hardback · First edition, 2026 · ISBN 978-1-80867-074-9

£24.99
Carriage free in the UK.
Printed on high quality art paper.

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Camelot in Colour

Was there a real King Arthur? Explore the history behind the legend, from post-Roman Britain to the stories of Camelot.

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Church of England Unpacked

Who does what in a parish? Meet the clergy, PCC, churchwardens and volunteers who keep a local church running.

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About the author

A life spent making history tangible

Peter Balanck is a British author, historian, antique dealer and collector whose work grows from a lifelong fascination with the past.

His career has included dealing in ancient coins, antiquities, antiques and old oil paintings, as well as designing and manufacturing medieval- and Celtic-inspired jewellery. For more than a decade, Peter travelled to schools throughout Britain as an independent history presenter, bringing genuine historical objects for pupils—from primary age to sixth form—to see, discuss and handle.

Brought up as a Roman Catholic, Peter now worships with his wife, Cathy, at two local Church of England churches and serves on a Parochial Church Council. The bewildering vocabulary of his first council meetings inspired Church of England Unpacked. His longstanding love of Arthurian legend and Pre-Raphaelite art led naturally to Camelot in Colour.

Peter’s work has appeared in a UK national magazine, and his business received a local council Business of the Year award. He is married, has two grown-up children, and lives in Kent.

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