The Lake District is one of the world's most beautiful regions with devotees everywhere and its uniqueness attracts millions to Cumbria's unspoilt countryside each year. John Wyatt, who has been intimately associated with the area for over 50 years, has now written what will become the definitive book on the region. This monumental work, complemented by some 200 magnificent illustrations mainly in full colour, covers every aspect of Cumbria. Whether it be the history, the people, the architecture, the topography, the arts or the tourist attractions, all is expertly and lovingly described. Based upon a deep knowledge of almost every valley and fell the book comprehensively embraces all that is noteworthy from Morecambe Bay in the south to Solway Firth and the Scottish border in the north, and from the Irish Sea coast in the west to the Pennines in the east. Even those who know and love Cumbria will find much here that is both new and revealing. This is indeed a book which demonstrates the unrivalled knowledge of someone who probably knows more about the region than any living author.

John Wyatt has written some fifteen books, many about the Lake District, and has lived in Cumbria for over 50 years during which time he was the Lake District National Park's first warden and ultimately the chief ranger. Much of his extensive writing has appeared in newspapers and magazines, and he has scripted and presented many programmes on radio and TV. In 1986 he was awarded the MBE for services to the Lake District.