Scafell - "Portrait of a Mountain" by Bill Birkett Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Tuesday, 03 February 2009

Bill Birkett with his Lakeland Book of the Year (runner-up) 2008
Bill Birkett at home
It is the the purpose of this missive to raise the profile of Bill’s outstanding book, 'Scafell - Portrait of a Mountain'.  I do not need to linger long in order to sing the praises of this fabulous book.  Many of us will already know Bill through Complete Lakeland Fells which proves invaluable when inspiration for a walk is required.  Many of us will also know him after the three volumes in his prize-winning valley portraits.  In Scafell, however, Bill summons up the spirit of the mountains in us all, it’s a true labour of love conveying one man’s passion for this unique environment.  Not only do the photographs convey new information about the massif, with references to features such as the packhorse woman’s grave but also the accompanying essay discusses topics as wide ranging as history, geology, flora, fauna, photography regarding the Abrahams Brothers as well as to the pioneering rock climbing that occurred on England’s greatest crags.  In this respect there are references to Bill’s own father Jim who pioneered some of the most difficult rock climbs at the time with the only protection in the form of his own, homemade pitons!

To get straight to the point, the book serves as its own best advert.  As a coffee table ‘browser’ it’s a brilliant piece and for people like me living a long way from Lakeland, it brings something of the mountains into the home.  On those wet days in London, I can open the book, turn to a page and dream of more intimate days on the fells.  I can do nothing more than recommend you go and order it now—if you love Lakeland it should be on your shelves, or more importantly at hand by your chair or on the coffee table.

  BAA Rating:full rating point full rating point full rating point full rating point full rating point  [5 / 5]

 Cumbria Tourism Winner - Best Illustration & Presentation - 2008
Cumbria Tourism Runner-up - Lakeland Book of the Year - 2008

SCAFELL, Portrait of a Mountain is published by Frances Lincoln priced £20 online (www.franceslincoln.com).
ISBN: 9780711227248, Format: 305 mm x 250 mm (12 inches x 9.9 inches) Binding: Hardback, 176 pages  250 colour photographs.

 

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Publishers


Competition to win a signed copy of 'Complete Lakeland Fells' by Bill Birkett

 If you would like the chance to be entered into a draw to win the signed book then all you have to do is answer the following question:

Q: According to this article, what accolades did 'Scafell -Portrait of a Mountain' receive?

Send your answer to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with 'Bill Birkett Competition' in the subject line


 

 



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"Just had to say, thank you for such a grand few minutes. I am 67 now and my knees are past the challenge of such a climb (Tryfan article) but it was great doing it again online with you." Sheelagh Finlay