This book investigates the cultural, historical, and geographical relationship between the urban center of Montreal and its surrounding rural regions. Michael Drummond provides a comprehensive overview of the area, utilizing historical context and contemporary observations to argue that the city and its countryside function as a singular, interdependent ecosystem. The text serves as a guide for understanding the development of Quebec's most prominent metropolitan hub and the pastoral landscapes that define its periphery.

Readers frequently note the accessible prose and the clear organization of the regional data provided. Experts highlight this as a useful introductory text for those seeking to understand the spatial and social evolution of the Montreal area.