Peter Davenport, as Director of Excavations at the Bath Archaeological Trust, has been involved in some of the most important excavations in the city and, therefore, is in a better position than most to inform us about those centuries of historical amnesia' that followed the departure of the Romans. Beginning with the remarkable Anglo-Saxon poem The Ruin in which a traveller reflected on Bath's impressive Roman remains, the book follows the reconstruction of the city around its convent and monastery and, later, its cathedral. Excavations have also revealed information concerning Alfred's transformation of Bath into a fortified stronghold and the development of trade and industry. Another section assesses topographical sources to trace the changing street plan of the city. The book is illustrated throughout with photographs and drawings of sites, buildings, artworks, artefacts and maps.