This book aims to set the history and art of parish churches in a lively social context. Consisting of fairly short narrative text, it treats history chronologically, from Saxon times to the 20th century. It is accompanied by photographs taken specifically for the book, with long captions. Rather than being narrowly topographical or predominantly architectural in approach, John Martin concentrates on the furnishing and works of art to be found in the churches and sets them in the context of adapting religious requirements and changing aesthetic tastes, blending social and art history.