This fascinating book looks at how local history developed from the antiquarian county studies of the sixteenth century to the growth of 'professional' history in the nineteenth century. Concentrating on the past sixty years with the opening of archive offices, the invigorating influence of family history, the impact of adult education and other forms of lifelong learning, the author considers the debates generated by academics, including the divergence of views over local and regional issues, and the importance of standards set by the Victoria County History (VCH). Also discussed is the fragmentation of the subject. The antiquarian tradition included various subject areas that are now separate disciplines, including industrial archaeology, name studies, family, landscape and urban history. This is an authoritative account of how local history has come to be one of the most popular and productive intellectual pastimes in our modern society. A remarkable book that will be of great interest to students and scholars of local history as well as amateur and professional genealogists.