This second of a two-volume maritime history of Devon covers the story of the county's maritime affairs, from the late-18th century to the present day. These were years of great development in Britain's maritime activities, both naval and mercantile, and this volume tells the story of Devon's participation in these events.

This second of a two-volume maritime history of Devon covers the story of the county's maritime affairs, from the late-18th century to the present day. These were years of great development in Britain's maritime activities, both naval and mercantile, and this volume tells the story of Devon's participation in these events.

In Praise of Devon is an evocation of the unique character of the county and its people. John Lane eloquently describes Devon’s rivers, coastline and moors; its towns, villages and buildings; its beautiful images and objects, traditions and occupations—from Dartmoor to Devonshire dialect, Church Bells to Cream Teas, Honiton Lace to Holy Wells—and gives intimate sketches of the lives and values of twenty Devonians, including farmers, a trawlerman, a doctor, a cook, the sculptor Peter Randall Page, potter Clive Bowen and scientist James Lovelock. The text is complemented by 140 colour plates:?photographs, engravings and old master paintings of the Devon countryside.