Description
Book SynopsisA collection of original essays by distinguished historians on the works of topographical writers who described and recorded the landscape of South-West England in the period c. 1540-1900.
Trade Review
"This book is primarily for historians, and will be an important addition to local-studies libraries in the South West. Furthermore, it will be of interest to historical geographers. In his introduction, Brayshay describes the works of South West topographers as "eclectic, whimsical, sometime cryptic but always devoted". Perhaps this description would apply equally well to this thoroughly readable selection of essays." (The Geographical Journal, 1998) "The scope of the volume is quite broad, and . . . the authors are all acknowledged authorities on their subjects and regions, and taken together they present a comprehensive and detailed picture of the topographical descriptions of south-west England from about 1539 (Leland's first tour) to the late nineteenth century . . . This volume deserves to be on the shelf of all those who are interested in the history of southwestern England, and its moderate price is a further recommendation." (Agricultural History Review, Vol. 45, No. II) "The value of this informative and absorbing book is enhanced by the list (compiled by Ian Maxted and the editor) of works on the topography of the region, a contribution which fittingly concludes a volume which deserves a readership far beyond the west country." (History, Volume 83, No. 269, January 1998) ". . . the volume firmly sets both the county survey and the development of a more scientific approach to landscape in their historical setting, and should be on the shelves of anyone whose research includes the South West." (Newsletter of the Centre for South-Western Historical Studies, Spring 1997)
Table of Contents
Contents: John Leland's itinerary in south-west England in 1542, John Chandler; the Devon and Cornwall topographers, Joyce Youings; the antiquarian and topographical writings of Lysons, Malcolm Todd; Somerset topographical writers, 1700-1900, Robert Dunning; Dorset antiquarian and topographical writers, J.H. Betty; the scientific gaze - agriculture improvers and the topography of south-west England, Sarah Wilmot.
