Robert Woodhouse's book about North Yorkshire illustrates and describes people, places and incidents that are unusual, odd or extraordinary. Subjects covered include flamboyant or eccentric characters, curious buildings, large-scale schemes that were planned and built but never used (a railway across the moors, a harbour and a seaside resort, for example), weird weather, mazes, standing stones and holes in the ground, unusual customs, and lost racecourses. Local folklore and legend are also examined - to show how real events have been exaggerated and embroidered over the years: the author gives examples of monsters, giants and witches, all of whom really existed, in some form. Using a range of illustrations, from old and recent photographs to maps, prints, paintings and engravings, Woodhouse tells an entertaining story - an alternative history of North Yorkshire.