Derby is an ancient chartered settlement with Roman origins, which got caught up in the leading edge of the Industrial Revolution and became the important manufacturing city and regional capital it is today. Fortunately, despite its expansion, it has managed to preserve much of its medieval core. The city was also fortunate in having had a pioneer Victorian photographer, Richard Keene, to record the changes which, between 1853 and 1894, transformed the eighteenth-century market town into a late Victorian industrial one.

The book contrasts the two, while highlighting the more drastic developments that took place during the twentieth century, especially the latter part, when much destruction and unsympathetic rebuilding went on; this still continues today. Maxwell Craven has combined a fascinating selection of historic images with modern views in order to document the transformation that has occurred. The result is an invaluable record of Derby's development over the years and is sure to appeal to residents and visitors alike.