I'm truly surprised that there hasn't been more discussion re' Arkrite's remarkable find ... I would have thought it deserving of all manner of comment. Especially the continued references to the air and water quality of early Birmingham and it's environs. After all, this IS the 'Birmingham History Forum!
I was fascinated by the way the author 'takes you by the hand' as he leads you from the 'hub' that is Birmingham, along the spokes leading-out in all directions, on the ancient road-ways of the period. There is also a wealth of information regarding the local institutions and societies of the period.
And just how 'open' it must all have been been then; places that these days, are now hemmed-in by buildings ... the author constantly refers to 'distant views' as he travels the roads leading to and from Brum.