There was a smell in the air of tar & rope & rusted chain a smell of tidal water. Down harbour around the point was the open sea. Here was the freedom I desired long sought-for not yet known. Freedom to write to walk to wander freedom to climb hills to pull a boat to be alone.. .I for this & this for me. Daphne du Maurier lived in Cornwall for most of her life. Its rugged coastline wild terrain & tumultuous weather inspired her imagination & many of her works are set there including Rebecca Jamaica Inn & Frenchmans Creek. In Vanishing Cornwall she celebrates the land she loved exploring its legends its history & its people eloquently making a powerful plea for Cornwalls preservation.