THE ENGLISH LAKES: A SHITORY. By Ian Thompson.

2008 1st edition. Large 8vo (182 x 241mm). Ppviii,344. Colour and b/w photographs, colour and b/w illustrations, maps, bibliography. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

"For more than two hundred years the Lake district has been regarded as one of the most beautiful regions of England. today it continues to exercise a powerful hold on the imagination and, despite its popularity - more than 20 million people visit it every year - has managed to retaiin its natural beauty and tranquility. but what is the source of its magnetic attraction and how did it come to exert such a spell?" Chapters include: The English Alps; Pathfinders; 'Settled contentment; Showmen; Wandering lonely; The lake poets; Artists among the lakes; The Buttermere beauty; 'Let nature be all in all'; 'A pleasant sort of fear'; 'Speak, passing winds'; The Sage of Brantwood; 'Soaped poles in bear gardens'; Manchester's thirst; A sort of national property; Visions of childhood; Ramblers; For all the people.