There are many books on the Christian history of the North East, particularly on such Northumbrian saints as Aidan, Cuthbert and Bede. There are many others on the region's culture and renowned natural scenery. What has been missing is a book that interprets the Christian heritage in a holistic way by 'reading' the churches, monasteries, Christian sites - together with the artefacts they inspired - in the light of both the regional history of Christianity and the landscapes that it shaped. It is intended that this book, in celebration of Northumbria's Christian Golden Age and the Christian world that followed it, will reveal the full canvas to its readership.