This thoughtfully compiled collection of over 200 archive postcards and images illustrates the history of Halifax from around the mid-eighteenth century.

The district is characterised by steep slopes and deep valleys, sett-paved streets and nearby moorland. It has an industrial past of woollen mills powered by water wheels and steam, and of canals and railways, the wharves and stations of which liberally dot the countryside. The town today reflects the changes wrought by the Victorians, who created broad streets and fine buildings; mansions, parks and gardens. Many Halifax buildings were blackened by soot during those years of coal-based prosperity, but are now resplendant after cleaning.

Halifax-born author Vera Chapman has supplied informative text to accompany each image, providing a lasting record of Halifax as it once was and detailing how the town has developed over a long period of extensive and lasting change.