Informative, vivid and richly illustrated, this volume explores the history of England's northern borders the former counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, Durham, Westmorland and the Furness areas of Lancashire across 1000 years. The book explores every aspect of this changing scene, from the towns and poor upland farms of early modern Cumbria to life in the teeming communities of late Victorian Tyneside. In their final chapters the authors review the modern decline of these traditional industries and the erosion of many of the region's historical characteristics."

Cul de Sac chronicles the absurdly wonderful adventures of the Otterloop family. Alice, Petey, Mom, and Dad live in the cookie-cutter suburbs not far from the interstate. Here, and at school, their day-to-day life unfolds with simple joys, tiny infractions, and wonderful moments of gentle bliss.

In this specially curated collection for kids, the quirky world of Cul de Sac comes to life for a new audience.

"One of the five best features in any newspaper, period." -The Comics Reporter

." . . (Thompson)...