The Isle of Man is a small island off the northwest coast of England in the Irish Sea. Though heavily influenced by nearby England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, it possesses a distinct culture all its own that is reflected in everything from its language, Manx, to its independent parliament, the Tynwald, a legacy of Viking rule. A New History of the Isle of Man takes a fascinating, in-depth look at the island's past.

The first volume of the series comprises a natural history of the island from some 500 million years ago to the present day. Beginning with the story of the first arrival of plants and animals on the island's rocky shores, it concludes with an appraisal of changes in the environment of the island wrought by its human residents.