Limestone Industries of the Yorkshire Dales, by David Johnson. Tempus Publishing, £16.99.

ONCE one of the most productive areas in the United Kingdom, the extraction of lime by quarrying has left a huge impact on the Yorkshire Dales.

This book gives an insight into every aspect of the industry, taking the reader right back to the early days of lime kilns in the 1300s and agricultural lime of the 16th centuries.

It describes the discovery of lime's potential as probably an accident' and draws upon records which estimate there are about 91 uses of lime. The author then takes each of these uses, before the massive expansion of the industry in the 19th century, and concisely discusses each use.

There are illustrations and photographs to help understand the difference between types of kilns and how they work.

With descriptions of industrial growth, methods in the quarrying industry which have changed beyond all recognition, and the generations of men who toiled in quarries and kilns (referred to as unsung heroes'), the book gives a rounded picture of liming through the ages and for those, like myself, who have no previous knowledge of the limestone industry, it is written in a simplified way and has a glossary included for any industry specific terminology.

Specific towns, areas and people are well organised into well signposted chapters, making it a book which is easy to dip in and out of.

An interesting look into a lime burning industry which has totally disappeared from the Dales.

January 16, 2003 10:00