At first sight Gloucestershire appears to be more like three different counties, each with a distinctive landscape - the Cotswolds, the Vale of Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. However, in the first book on the subject for 30 years, Alan Pilbeam enables the reader to appreciate any part of the countryside as it is now, rather than focusing on any particular area. This task is aided by the inclusion of a fine collection of images which illustrate the picturesque scenery and rich heritage of this area of Britain.

Inside this authoritative guide to Gloucestershire the author considers the different elements of the varied landscape - its basic landforms, the woodland and farmland, settlement and buildings, industrial and archaeological sites, transport lines, the designed and sporting landscape, and its rich wildlife. Above all the book is concerned with the present-day landscape, discussing the landscapes visible today and the relationships between the various features, rather than with past events. The refreshing approach to the subject taken by this book makes it a title that will be treasured by anyone living in the county, or by any regular visitor.