Anyone who grew up in, or is from, a particular place or county will rightly think that their area is distinct or even exceptional. Although I am biased (because I was born and grew up there), I think Pembrokeshire, the county in the far south-west of Wales, has more reason than most to call itself unique. It contains Britain’s only entirely coastal National Park; it is geographically as far away from England as you can get in Wales and yet, for historical reasons, many of its inhabitants sound (in comparison with most other parts of Wales) quite English; and it has one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, making Milford Haven – still – Britain’s busiest port. In some respects, it is a microcosm of Wales itself: it has a mixed economy; a presence of both rural and urban needs; a population of relatively wealthy in-migrants as well as a solidly poor working class; and a linguistic divide between its north and south. Yet, at the same time, it is different to any other parts of Wales.

An Historical Atlas of Pembrokeshire, whose purpose is to ‘write history through the medium primarily of maps’, comprehensively captures these fascinating dynamics. The book is divided into nine themes (historical mapping, the physical setting, settlements, economics, governance, warfare and defence, religion, education and buildings) within which sit eighty-two distinct topics ranging from Pembrokeshire in the Bronze Age, and four hundred years of population change, to the oil-refining industries, and book clubs. It covers a time period from pre-history to the present day. Each subject receives a large double-page spread, with a short c. 1,000-word essay on the left-hand side, and a map, plan, painting or sketch of the county that illustrates the point being made on the right-hand side. This, combined with glossy production values, makes it visually appealing. There is also a lightness of touch to the whole thing. It is very much a coffee table book, designed to be flicked through and browsed, but it nonetheless draws upon a good amount of research from a collection of noteworthy scholars.

Taking into consideration limited word counts, topics are dealt with comprehensively. Footnotes, or further reading bibliographies, sometimes (although not always) point eager readers in the direction of more information. Particularly strong in this respect are the pieces on geology and landscape by Brian S. John; the Hiberno-Horse by Mark Redknap; creameries by Richard Moore-Colyer; tourist resorts by Louise Miskell; literacy levels by Brinley W. Jones; and newspapers by John E. Davies.

Credit should be given to the editor, David W. Howell, for bringing together names like Simon Hancock and Roger Turvey (who are well known to Pembrokeshire residents for their services to local knowledge and understanding) as well as nationally renowned university academics like Professors Ralph Griffiths and Martin Johnes. The research of keen amateur historians who made their names in other careers, including dentistry or secondary school teaching, is also utilised. There is a great deal to be said for what can be achieved when a group of historians from various walks of life are brought together in this way. Combined with its very large number of topics, the result is a book that conveys the historical nuances and variety of Pembrokeshire as a place and a society. It will have a wide appeal, particularly to people from the county, but also to others who want to dip into its captivating past.