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Overview
The countryside of the British Isles provides an enormously rich resource to those interested in researching past cultural landscapes. This book is the essential reference for the landscape studies researcher, whether amateur or professional. In 500 entries, it provides explanations of the major terms, features and ideas discussed in the subject. Short entries describe less familiar names and more familiar terminology where the reader may lack a precise understanding. Longer articles discuss the big themes, concepts and approaches. Throughout, the entries are carefully cross-referenced, making it possible to follow a chain of connections. To allow a more in-depth pursuit of a subject, each entry also signposts the most useful further reading. This encyclopaedia is deliberately even in its geographical scope with terminology from Ireland, Scotland and Wales receiving detailed coverage. Dr Richard Muir has been researching, writing and publishing books on landscape history and archaeology for more than a quarter of a century.Synopsis
Muir (U. of Aberdeen, Scotland) has written a wonderful reference that is enjoyable to read as well as valuable for its breadth of vocabulary. Defining terms (including a wealth of Scottish terms) used in the British Isles to describe features of the landscape, Muir includes much history. Whether for recognizable terms such as barn or commons, or much more specialized names, such as greenhews and runrig, readers learn the origin of the feature, its various forms, and the circumstances of its use. The book is well illustrated with b&w photos. Distributed by the David Brown Book Company. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR