Dorset is one of the most attractive counties in England. In its infinite variety the coast excels.

But unlike some counties which have a good coast and a not very interesting hinterland, Dorset has both. There are the heathlands that Hardy immortalised in his books and the chalk hills that start near Shaftesbury and roll south and west down to the sea at Lyme. This creates the great vales of Blackmoor and Marshwood with many stunning vistas from the hill tops.

Chasing the light across this precious landscape can be very rewarding, but it also poses a considerable challenge. Patience to simply sit and wait for the ideal moment is essential – and that is what master photographer Roger Holman demonstrates again and again in the collection of superb images reproduced here.

Many of us still find the traditional address book so much more convenient, and ultimately more dependable than an electronic device. This one is made to fit in a pocket or handbag, having plenty of room for those vital addresses, confidential notes and reminders. It is also carefully designed to look good too. So whether you have bought this mini address book for yourself, or as a gift, its owner can now carry a little bit of Dorset with them along with all their vital information.

<> Roger Holman was born in 1932 near Wimborne, not far from where he lives today, and educated at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. On leaving he joined the family firm, which he continued to run – apart from time spent in the RAF on National Service – until he handed it over to two of his sons. He discovered photography in his teens and has been photographing aspects of his home county ever since. He is the author of Images of the Dorset Coast, Images of Dorset Country, Dorset the Glorious County, A Spirit of Weymouth and Portland and co-author of Dorset’s Most beautiful Buildings, all for Halsgrove.

Imprint: Halswood. ISBN 978 0 85717 041 5, hardback, 105x115mm. 96 pages.