"The project of surveying Gloucestershire at first seemed to be almost too big to handle, indeed it involved multiple journeys criss-crossing the county. But I think the result reveals the great range of individual character in its many towns and villages: compare traditional Cotswold centres such as Great Barrington and Upper Slaughter in the north east with the intensely industrialised districts of Yate and Filton above Bristol, or the freshness of the Vale of Berkeley bordering the Severn Estuary. To the west the ancient Forest of Dean preserves its own mysterious aura. Gloucestershire is truly impressive and I longed to delve further into its history. I hope that the guide opens possibilities for your own exploration of the area". (Sarah James, Editor). This is the second edition, revised and updated from the first publication in 1999.