Everyone who knows the Peak District – Britain’s first and most popular National Park – knows that it’s wonderful. From the brooding Dark Peak moorlands to the sylvan limestone dales, everyone has their favourite spots.
The ‘Wonders of the Peak’ have been extolled by writers since the 14th century, but it was the first popular description by Thomas Hobbes, the famous philosopher and tutor to the Cavendish children at Chatsworth, in his De Mirabilibus Pecci: Concerning the Wonders of the Peak in Darby-shire, published by in 1636, which really put the Peak on the tourist map.
In this beautiful new book ,“Mr Peak District” Roly Smith explores the phenomenon of wonders and revisits the original seven in the Peak. He also suggests what might be considered as wonders worth visiting today, including descriptions of natural, man-made and wildlife wonders and a brief look at what might be the wonders of the future.
The book, published by Sheffield publisher Byway Publications, is beautifully illustrated by new photographs by award-winning photographer Chris Gilbert, and many previously-unseen 19th century engravings.
In his foreword, the Duke of Devonshire states: “For any visitor to the Peak District, reading this work will greatly enhance time spent in the area, and ticking off the various special places and things described by Roly Smith would make the ideal basis for a week’s holiday in this beautiful part of the world.”
WONDERS OF THE PEAK: Then and Now
by Roly Smith with photographs by Chris Gilbert
published by Byway Publications at £7.99.
ISBN 978-0-9935393-9-8
Review copies are available on request – contact Dave Fuller on 07885 46731
