The North Downs and Surrey Hills have for centuries been the most important of London's lungs. In Dr Brandon's inimitable style, this book recreates the Downs' past landscapes and examines the history of their famous Surrey products: Alton and Farnham hops, Dorking fowls and Banstead mutton. The exciting arena of the Kent Downs and its environs made a special contribution to the development of early England. The author also considers the leisure function of the region, which has existed for centuries. For more than 150 years the North Downs and Surrey Hills have counteracted urban noise, congestion and pollution by their very proximity to the metropolis. From the mid-19th century the region became a residence, playground, sanatorium, health resort, field laboratory and landscape artists? open-air studio. This long-awaited book from a much-loved local historian shares the eloquent prose of his previous titles, and the magnificent photographs are beautifully produced. It will be warmly welcomed by all local, social and landscape historians, as well as the many people whose lives are enriched by knowing the North Downs.

The late PETER BRANDON was a prolific author of books about Sussex, and a knowledgeable and inspirational speaker. He inspired many landscape geographers and historians, residents and visitors with his natural enthusiasm for his beloved Sussex countryside. He was vice-president of the Sussex branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England and of the Sussex Archaeological Society, and president of the South Downs Society.