Raistrick, by profession a geologist, in the course of research became fascinated by the remains of old technologies and industries surviving but neglected throughout the country. As much as anyone he is responsible for the recognition of the importance of this aspect of our technological history. The book opens with a definition: what makes industrial archaeology different from mainstream archaeology; then proceeds to cover raw materials and the industries thereon based; power and fuel; transport systems; buidings and structures, from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century. Finally he discusses the role of museums in preserving, restoring and recording the technologies of the past. Necessarily somewhat dated but an excellent general introduction to the subject. Still easily available secondhand. 314pp.; index; short bibliography; b/w plates; maps and diagrams.