Generously illustrated, this book describes the Irish Landscape, its history and development. Contents: include: The shape of the land; wildlife in the countryside; the imprint of the past; folk culture and tradition; land, work and recreation; and rural people and services. The book's conclusion covers rural development, planning and conservation. The contributors to this publication are a group of experts who impart their knowledge in an immensely readable way for the general reader. Contents: Introduction: Desmond Gillmor; The Shape of The Land: David Drew; Wildlife in the Countryside: Roy Alexander; Imprint of the Past: Frederick Aalen; Folklife and Folk Traditions: Anne O'Dowd; Land, Work, and Recreation: Desmond Gilmor; Rural People and Services: Mary Cawley; Management of the Countryside: Desmond Gillmor^R