This major study presents the first detailed history of the Chiltern region as a whole, explaining how its unique character and 'ancient countryside' have evolved. Based on the authors' own explorations of the landscape and original research, this book also draws together a wealth of existing scholarship. The Chiltern story is told with enthusiasm and clarity in a highly readable narrative enhanced by a wealth of carefully chosen of specially photographed illustrations.
The first edition, published in 1992, was so well received that it sold out in a year, leaving a clamour of demand. However, rather than simply reprint the book, the authors have made amendments and corrections and incorporated such as wide range of improvements as to constitute a new, revised edition. Already the standard work on the region, its future in that respect is assured.
Contents:
List of Illustrations
Copyright and Photographic Acknowledgements
Preface
1. Discovering the Chilterns
2. Early Landscapes
3. The Roman Chilterns
4. The Anglo-Saxon Chilterns
5. The Medieval Chilterns
6. The Late Medieval Chilterns
7. The Medieval Woodlands
8. Rural Change 1550-1800
9. Turnpikes, Canals and Railways
10. The Chiltern Beechwoods
11. The nineteenth Century Chilterns
12. Metro-land
13. The Changing Countryside
14. The Chilterns Today
Chapter Notes
References
General Index
Index of Place Names