Examining every aspect of today's landscape, from rocks, rivers and glaciers to market towns, industrial sites, farms and the Dales folk themselves, Muir explains how this scenery has evolved, how communities have lived and why they have built as they have, why certain breeds of sheep and cattle are seen in the fields, what wildlife one might expect to find, and how the landscape is likely to continue changing. Finally there are chapters giving expert introductions to the special features and history of each individual Dale. Dr Richard Muir is the author of more than 20 books on the British countryside and historical topics and is a winner of the Yorkshire Arts literary prize.