This is a good sized book measuring around 35 x 25cm and weighing in at 192 pages.  There are four main sections titled The South East, The South West, The North East and The North West containing 80 panoramic images between them.  The photographs are 3:1 (or 6x17) format and each one is spread over two pages, measuring approximately 54 x 18cm.  Fortunately the book opens wide enough so that the binding does not seem to distract from the viewing experience.

Sir Chris Bonington has written the main introduction in which he briefly talks about how his first introduction to Westmoreland [sic] as a six year old being evacuated during the Second World War sowed the seed of what was to become an enduring love of all things wild and mountainous.

Those of you already familiar with the work of Colin Prior will immediately feel at home with the layout and style of this book.  Indeed it is from the same stable: Constable and Robinson.

As well as classic vistas such as Ullswater at dawn (pages 116-117 and shown above) and Castlerigg Stone Circle under a dramatic sky (pages 168-169), there are also more intimate compositions such as the wild garlic at the northern end of Coniston Water (pages 26-27), or ferns growing by Lodore Falls (pages 152-153).

As well as the conventional horizontal panoramic format with which we are all familiar, Mark does challenge convention to good effect with several vertical panoramic compositions.  Waterfall, Lingmell Beck (pages 68-69) and Piers Gill and Great Gable (pages 96-97) are two noteable examples.

One thing that did strike me after looking through and reading Mark's narrative is that any snow is rather conspicuous by its absence, only a light dusting being visible on a couple of photographs despite Mark's best efforts to find it.  Sadly a reminder of our changing climate which seems to be giving us wetter and milder winters.

Breakfasting sheep, Patterdale
Sheep tend to sense that I'm bad news, and a recent experience at Swainby, Yorkshire suggests they are thinking of fighting back!  Here, I hid behind a tree so as not to interrupt their breakfast, although it was also necessary to mask the strong direct sunlight, which would have caused the lens to flare.

At the end of the book there are two maps (North and South Lakeland) showing the location of each photograph along with its corresponding page number.  This is very useful as it allows the reader who might be unfamiliar with Lakeland to get a feel for the landscape and its locality.  It's also a great boon for the more savvy types to discover areas they perhaps have not yet visited.

There are also thumbnails of each photograph showing the equipment used and accompanied by a few lines of text that give you some insight into Mark's experiences and thoughts whilst photographing each view, as well as anecdotes such as hiding from the sheep in Patterdale.

Mark Denton lives in Yorkshire and has been using the panoramic format soon after he started taking photography more seriously in 2000.  This is his third such book of panoramic photographs, with several more in the pipeline.

Overall this is an excellent book and would look equally at home on a coffee table or alongside your other mountain literature and guides.  It appeals to the seasoned aficionado, the complete newcomer wanting to get a taste of Lakeland, or simply as a reminder for all the exiles waiting until their next visit. I unreservedly recommend it.

BAA Rating:  [5 / 5]

The Lake District is available to OFC members for £21.99 including UK postage from Mark Denton Photographic
Full details on the Member Offers page