A wide-ranging survey, from early Cornish literature, exploring the importance of figures such as King Arthur and Tristan and Isolde, through the centuries to contemporary literature today, from Kneehigh Theatre to indigenous Cornish film.
The book examines industrial change in the nineteenth century, redefining Cornish identify, with writers such as R S Hawker, John Harris and R M Ballantyne. Other writers discussed in some detail include Arthur Quiller Couch, A L Rowse, Jack Clemo, Charles Causley and D M Thomas.