The Isle of Wight is without a doubt one of the most picturesque areas of Britain, a distinction largely attributable to its coastline. Approximately 60 miles in length the coast contains a stunning variety of features, most notably in the south and west of the island, where dramatic chalk cliffs are continuously sculpted by the pounding of the ocean. Elsewhere, tidal estuaries and salt marsh teem with wildlife, whilst the main resorts of Ryde, Ventnor, Shanklin and Sandown boast fine beaches frequented by tourists since the mid-nineteenth century.

<>The port of Cowes is world-famous as an international yachting centre and becomes the focal point of the island during Cowes Week, the first week in August.

Nearly half of the island’s coastline has been designated as “Heritage Coast” divided into two sections: the Tennyson Heritage Coast and the Hamstead Heritage Coast. The designation is awarded to coastlines of the highest quality and unspoilt nature in England and Wales.

Starting and finishing near the Needles and Alum Bay this book represents a photographic exploration of the island’s numerous coastal highlights and characteristics, captured in all their glory through more than 140 images from the camera of Geraint Tellem.

Geraint Tellem combines his career as a professional violinist with freelance photography, specialising in landscape, architecture, portraiture and weddings. He supplies work to several picture agencies including Pictures Colour Library, The National Trust Photographic Library and Travel Ink. Clients include numerous calendar and greeting card companies, as well as a number of leading UK magazines. He has had several other photographic books published, including Portrait of Cardiff and Portrait of Gower and the South Wales Coast, both for Halsgrove.

Imprint: Halsgrove. ISBN 978 0 85704 007 7, hardback, 214x230mm, 144 pages. Published July 2010.