Suffolk remains one of the most remote, attractive and unspoilt counties in England as the photographs in this book amply portray. While its largest towns have all the vibrancy of modern life, much of the county is rural, retaining its character founded in earlier times: pretty villages with timbered and brick built cottages, and isolated farms as they have endured for centuries, set solidly in the rolling landscape.

It is a county that is imbued with history at every turn, and from the earliest evidence of prehistoric times and the Roman occupation, to medieval gems such as Lavenham, and great country houses, each appears in this superb collection of photographs.

As with its most famous artist, John Constable, capturing the essential nature of Suffolk has been the aim of photographer Mark Staples who, from his home in Bury St Edmunds, has spent countless hours travelling the county in search of images for this book. From the most popular attractions of the coast to intimate inland locations that few others will have visited.

Portrait of Suffolk contains over 140 photographs depicting a variety of colourful scenes from all over the county, including Angel Hill with its impressive Abbey Gate in Bury St Edmunds, sailing boats on Oulton Broad and springtime views of thatched cottages in Chelsworth. Portrait of Suffolk is a beautiful keepsake for visitors to the county and local residents alike.

Mark Staples came to Suffolk in 1994 as a newly qualified teacher of Modern Languages and has remained here ever since. His interest in photography began in spring 2005, when Australian friends on a visit to Suffolk took some rather impressive images using a simple digital compact. Inspired by these images and having enjoyed drawing and painting as a youngster, Mark decided to pursue this newly discovered interest in digital photography, and couple it with his other love of travel. ‘My photography is a complete hobby and helps maintain a suitable work-life balance,’ he says. ‘I particularly enjoy photographing monuments, landmarks and landscapes where architecture is a prominent feature, and the challenge is to find that interesting point of view or composition.’ His images have been published in local and national magazines, on postcards, in calendars, in travel guides and in tourist brochures both in the UK and abroad.

Imprint: Halsgrove. ISBN 978 1 84114 993 6, hardback, 214x230mm, 144 pages. Published April 2010.