"The Countryside" is a fascinating companion for a ramble across Britain. We tend to see what we want to see: lush hills and valleys, sheep, chocolate-box villages... but the reality is that many of these lovely places were shaped by events far far away, as Britain expanded its empire.
Corinne Fowler's deeply researched book shows the links between agriculture, mining, cloth-making and other industrial activities, land ownership, trade (including in human beings), finance and more. She presents her findings in a credible, accessible way, makes them relevant for today.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I can't believe this isn't taught in school! We covered all this is US classroom in grade school and jr high. One would think history was taught the same way in Britain. History, warts and all, shoulld be addressed. Too many people profitted off the backs of others. Needs to be talked about. Interesting book about how wealth was earned and how many people suffered as a result. I have very different views of manor houses, castles, estates and what not when I travel in Europe. Good read, well researched. Anyone headed to Britain should read this book.