The Isle of Wight has one of the most attractive and diverse landscapes in the country, in barely 380 sq km: not for nothing is it known as England in miniature. The varied coastline ranges from rocky outcrops and high cliffs in the west to the vast sandy beaches in the east. Its sheltered harbours have made it a Mecca for yachting, with Cowes Week being an event of international importance.

Although the island’s biggest industry is tourism, it is still significantly agricultural, with its inland downs offering stunning views. With its many historical sites, together with the strategic and interesting towns of Ryde, Sandown,Ventnor, Newport and Cowes, this means that the island in all its aspects remains a visual feast.

Master-photographer Ian Badley grew up overlooking the Needles and from his earliest years was fascinated by the Isle of Wight, intrigued by the ethereal mists that appeared to hang over the island, providing an additional dimension to its bright chalk cliffs. His sense of place and of the enchantment and beauty of each scene is evident again and again in the stunning images reproduced here.

Address books tend to be well used and have a long life. Along with important contact details, they keep track of the user’s friends and acquaintances, tracing their lives over time and from place to place. And, if properly attended to, an address book eventually becomes a journal in itself, and an attractive and permanent keepsake. Whether bought as a gift or for personal use, this Isle of Wight Address Book, with its superb pictorial reminders of the island, will provide years of pleasure.

Ian Badley was born in 1957 in Southampton and now lives with his family in the New Forest. He first took up photography seriously in the late 1970s before turning semi professional some years ago and is now a full time travel photographer. Ian also runs photographic workshops in the New Forest, Dorset and abroad for beginners and more advanced photographers together with some commercial photography.

His work has sold around the world in travel guides as well as the UK and has been used on BBC news items, national newspapers and been published in various other magazines. He is the author of Portrait of the Isle of Wight published by Halsgrove.

Imprint: Halswood Stationers. ISBN 978 0 85717 014 9, hardback, 214x230mm, 112 pages. Published May 2010.