5.0 out of 5 stars Not bettered in fifty years

B.B. · 21 December 2024

'The making of the English landscape' contains a wealth of information and ideas written in terms almost anyone can understand. Although the book covers most of the country, anyone from those parts where Hoskins has lived and worked will find particular interest. In the many years since the book was written there may have been advances in the understanding of the past helped by numerous archaeological discoveries but it would be an interesting question as to whether they would have made much difference to this book. Many of the records Hoskins refers to must have been more or less continuously available from the times they were made, in some cases hundreds of years in the past. Other forms of evidence such as is available including physical features within the landscape are on the other hand eroding over time. A process that had already started to accelerate before Hoskins was writing when horses were replaced by tractors that could plough to a greater depth and cover huge areas that previously hadn't been worth cultivating since ancient times. Highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the history of the landscape.

5.0 out of 5 stars Where are you, Tony Robinson?

C.H. · 2 January 2018

Written in 1955, The Making of the English Landscape by William Hoskins is one of the most influential books ever written in that uncertain territory where archaeology, geography and history overlap. By the late 1980s, however, the book was beginning to date and this edition - with a comprehensive commentary by Christopher Taylor - reflects the research which had been given momentum by the original text. In this book, the original chapters are prefaced by thoughtful introductions from Taylor who puts Hoskins' writing into context in a firm but gentlemanly and nuanced fashion - as demonstrated in his opening to his introduction to Chapter One: "Professor Hoskins was somewhat dismissive of the impact and relevance of prehistoric and Roman people in the making of the English landscape. Writing first in 1955 when field archaeology in this country can be said to have been in its infancy, neither he nor anyone else could have had any conception..."What sets the book apart, however, are Taylor's notes made in the book's generous margins which correct the original text by Hoskins in the same firm but gentlemanly and nuanced fashion. One small example chosen at random should serve: on page 93 Hoskins writes about the founding of Salisbury between 1220 and 1225 while, in the margin, Taylor elaborates on the role of existing roads and the influence of topography on drainage in controlling the detailed grid layout of the city. The detail is exceptional.I bought this as a replacement copy after lending my original to one of my students and never seeing it again; I can understand why the student in question kept it!What is needed now is a twenty first century re-write in the same style; where are you, Tony Robinson?

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine and detailed book

S. · 5 December 2023

I can't give a literary review because it's a present for a friend. However, after leafing through, I can say that it's refreshing to read a book about the landscape and man's effect on it over the ages without dragging out the tedious old warhorse of 'climate change'. This book is simply history, geography and landscape, written by an expert, and without an agenda. The only minor criticism is the roughness of the paper used, which means that the many black and white photos appear rather flat without good blacks.

5.0 out of 5 stars Speedy & just as it said on the tin! :)

a.t. · 20 May 2011

I ordered this book at the last minute when i had an assignment due in in a week and didnt really expect it to arrive on time but it did!! i was so pleased! it arrived really quickly and it was in good condition!.The book was very useful for the assignment i was doing. It is quite readable and clear and illustrates really well some of the major landscape changes that have happened in england throughout history. I doubt i would read this book just for pleasure but for the subject i am studying it was very informative and interesting.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of learning!

M. · 29 August 2023

Wish I discovered this book years ago! It’s a great read and give us wonderful insights into the landscape we have today, and the people who created it…

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and a Short Addendum

M. · 6 December 2016

It goes without saying that this is a classic of the genre, and one of the few books I retain from my days as a student - over 35 years ago!Just one point though:Plate 54 originally concluded with "The photograph was taken on a favourable day or it would not have been taken at all. Imagine being born amid this ugliness: or worse still, buried among it."As a local, this always amused me, and never a truer word spoken. What a shame it had to be removed.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting

A.C. · 15 October 2023

Great book explaining how man has changed the landscape

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad but...

M.A. · 21 October 2022

...not "very good" either. I don't know, perhaps my standards of book condition are higher than most. I would never describe the book shown in the photo as 'very' good. I'd give it a 'good', small rips and evident scuffing...Unless publication date of the book (1977) is being taken into account on the grading system? In which case my generously would stretch to, "very good...for the age". The value is ok, I just wish there was better rating of book tattiness. I would have paid more for something in better condition as it is for a friend. I've had this issue with World of Books before. I gave them the benefit of the doubt the first time, not again hence the mediocre review. The content of the book as is expected.

An indspensable classic

c. · 4 February 2023

This is the book to read if you are traveling to the English countryside. It’s a classic; it’s an original; and it will make you see things in the landscape you would otherwise have missed completely.

Efficient, good price

I.E.E. · 12 November 2018

Background information to complement his book on Devon.

Excellent - Thank you.

W. · 15 May 2020

Excellent item, well described, excellent packaging.

English Landscape

C.H. · 3 December 2009

This book is a little stuffy, as many British writers of this genre tend to be. Nonetheless, it's an interesting guide and it seems to be well researched.

from cavemen on....

y.d. · 2 October 2013

Fascinating book about the effect man has had on thecountryside of England. A classic in the field and just whata history scholar needs.