For many years there had lain in the Circuit archive a document commonly referred to as Yeatman's Book amongst Circuiteers. Francis Yeatman had completed the draft before he died in 1971 but he had never had it published. It remained in the archive in typewritten form and had formed the basis of much of the research for Circuit Ghosts. In 2000, after the success in publication of Pie-Powder, it was decided to publish this book as well.

The book is in hardback and costs £15 (including postage and packing in the UK) from the Circuit Office.

The announcement of the passing of Francis Yeatman (on 10th July 1971) will evoke poignant memories among the many who, in any capacity, have "gone the Western Circuit".

Before he was called to the Bar and joined Dorset Sessions, 1914 saw him in the front line in France, from which he emerged shattered in limb and undermined in health. He courageously concealed his continuing war disabilities. He will be recalled as a Clerk of Assize who was always in command of procedures in court, a stickler for propriety, a close observer of the bar who was quick to commend merit and to register disapproval of slackness.

In court he inspired personally that respect which he himself accorded to the forms and ceremonies entrusted to his keeping. Out of court he was full of kindness and sympathetic consideration for others. He was a regular attender in Mess which he rightly treasured as the hub of the circuit life. He took particular interest in newcomers to the bar and encouraged them to follow the path of loyalty to circuit tradition which he found so rewarding. He was a repository of circuit stories and memories of great men which he skilfully placed in settings derived from his deep knowledge of literature and history. He was a fine judge of wine in the uses of which he was an exemplar. Francis Yeatman's many friends will rejoice in the recollection of his pleasure in the circuit dinner to his honour which filled the Guildhall, Winchester, in 1961. They will sadly reflect that the office of Clerk of Assize, which he filled with such distinction for 17 years, is shortly to be extinguished for ever.