Thematic in presentation, but contained within a chronological framework, this book gives a wide survey of Essex history from earliest times to the 20th century, with greater depth and detail allotted to topics of special interest, including the county"s rich heritage of vernacular architecture and the potent influence of London on its development. "All this is history. Yet it cannot just be dismissed as dusty and irrelevant ...many stirring pictures reproduced ..." Evening Echo