Gervase Phinn is offered the post of County Inspector of Schools in North Yorkshire because of his good sense and lack of pretension, "We don't put people on pedestals in Yorkshire," he's told, "they nobbunt want dustin'." As Gervase Phinn reveals in this warm and wonderfully humorous account, his first year was quite an educational experience.

He quickly learns that he must slow his pace and appreciate the beautiful countryside - "Backwatersthwaite's been theer since time o' Vikings. It'll still be theer when thee find it." He meets some larger-than-life characters, from farmers and lords of the manor to teaching nuns and eccentric caretakers. And, best of all, he discovers the endearing and disarming qualities of the Dales children, including the small boy who, when told he's not very talkative, answers "If I've got owt to say I says it, and if I've got owt to ask I asks it."