Ever since the days of Jonathan Otley and of Sedgwick the Lake District has attracted much attention from geologists, largely on account of the variety and difficulty of the problems that it presents. As is well known, Dr. Marr has devoted a very large part of his life to the study of these problems, and the present volume contains an admirable summary of the results obtained by his predecessors, by his contemporaries, and by himself in this field. Although comparatively small when measured in square miles, there is, perhaps, no other well-defined area where so much variety of topography and of geological Structure is to be found, or where the connection between geology and scenery is so clearly marked. On this latter feature the author rightly lays much stress, pointing out that each formation gives rise to its own particular type of scenery, easily distinguishable even in the distant view.

From Scafell's towering volcanic crags to the deep lake-filled glacial valleys of Wasdale and Buttermere, the Lake District possesses an extraordinary variety of scenery in a relatively small area. This dramatic landscape has inspired writers, climbers, painters, and all who seek the solitude and beauty of the high fells – and wish to understand the forces that have shaped this unique place. With over 230 illustrations including maps and superb photographs with unique aerial views and panoramas, it includes: easy-to-understand explanations of how the rocks formed; how the geology affects the landscape and an exploration of the long human story of Lakeland landscapes. There are guided excursions to seven easily accessible geological locations and a dedicated website, with a Google Earth photographic guide to all the main localities mentioned in the book: lakedistrictgeology.co.uk This book will enable you to 'read' the landscape, understand how the region's rocks were formed, how glaciers and rivers sculpted the fells and valleys, and how human interaction with geology and climate has helped to create the Lake District today.