Famous for its attractive scenery, abbey, trademark jet jewellery and Dracula, it could be argued that Whitby needs little introduction. But as this volume sets out to show, there is far more to Whitby. The Abbey, of course, is the best-known and loved building here, but perhaps fewer people know of the important role it played in shaping the development of the church in England. And while the jet industry has a long history, boatbuilding, fishing and whaling were the lifeblood of Whitby before it became a popular tourist destination from the Victorian period onwards. That is not to say that Whitby's picturesque aspect and gothic influences are not to be celebrated. Indeed, the beauty of Whitby is that it has retained all these elements of its past and more, and that the town remains relatively unspoilt - as this colourful collection of images captures in vivid detail.

Robin Cook is the author of several books of early photographs of North East Yorkshire and the Old Cleveland area - the first being published in 1975. A member of several local history societies he also gives talks and slide presentations to a wide range of groups within the local community. Robin lives in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.