Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells are a series of books written by Alfred Wainwright between 1955 and 1966, published by The Westmoreland Gazette, featuring detailed descriptions and maps of the Lake District hills and mountains, including popular resorts such as Ambleside and Grasmere, with the first volume covering The Eastern Fells.
Overview of the Series
The Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells series is a comprehensive collection of books that provide detailed information about the Lake District hills and mountains. The series consists of seven volumes, each covering a specific region of the Lake District. The books are known for their unique blend of descriptive text, maps, and illustrations, making them a valuable resource for walkers, hikers, and anyone interested in exploring the Lake District. The series has been widely acclaimed for its accuracy and attention to detail, and is considered a classic of outdoor literature. The books have been popular among outdoor enthusiasts for many years, and continue to be widely used today; The series is a testament to the author’s love of the Lake District and his desire to share its beauty with others. The guides are still widely used and respected today.
Publication Details
The Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells were published by The Westmoreland Gazette between 1955 and 1966. The books were initially published in a limited print run, with the first volume being published in 1955. The publication of the series was a significant event in the outdoor community, with each volume being eagerly anticipated by walkers and hikers. The books were published in a distinctive format, featuring a combination of text, maps, and illustrations. The publication details of the series are still of interest to collectors and enthusiasts today, with first editions being highly prized. The original dust wrappers are also highly sought after, with many collectors seeking to complete their sets with original wrappers. The publication of the series has had a lasting impact on the outdoor community, and the books remain widely used and respected today. The series is a classic of outdoor literature.
Volume Details
Seven volumes were published, featuring the Lake District hills and mountains, with detailed descriptions and maps, including The Eastern Fells and The Far Eastern Fells, in a classic series.
Volume 1: The Eastern Fells
The first volume of the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, The Eastern Fells, was published by The Westmoreland Gazette, featuring the greatest single concentrated mass of high ground in Lakeland, including Helvellyn, the most-often climbed mountain in the Lake District. This volume includes popular resorts such as Ambleside and Grasmere, which lie in this sector of the fells. The Eastern Fells rise to above 3000 feet, forming a tremendous barrier running north and south, high and steep all along its length. The volume provides detailed descriptions and maps of the hills and mountains in this area, making it a valuable resource for walkers and climbers. With its unique blend of natural beauty and rich history, The Eastern Fells is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the Lake District. The volume is a classic example of Wainwright’s work, showcasing his love for the Lakeland fells and his ability to convey their beauty through his writing and illustrations.
Volume 2: The Far Eastern Fells
The Far Eastern Fells, the second volume of the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, continues Wainwright’s comprehensive guide to the Lake District. This volume covers a diverse range of hills and mountains, each with its own unique character and charm. The Far Eastern Fells are home to some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the Lake District, making it a paradise for walkers and climbers. The volume includes detailed descriptions and maps of the area, as well as Wainwright’s iconic illustrations. With its focus on the lesser-known hills and mountains of the Lake District, The Far Eastern Fells is a valuable resource for those looking to explore beyond the popular resorts. The volume is a testament to Wainwright’s love for the Lakeland fells and his dedication to sharing their beauty with others. The Far Eastern Fells is a must-have for anyone interested in the Lake District and its rich history and natural beauty.
Classification of Wainwrights
Wainwrights are classified based on Alfred Wainwright’s seven volume guide, featuring 214 Lake District fells and 116 Outlying Fells, with detailed descriptions and maps of each location and surrounding hills;
Wainwright Fells
A Wainwright Fell is a hill or mountain in the Lake District that is included in Alfred Wainwright’s seven volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, featuring 214 fells in total. The Wainwright Fells are a popular target for hill walkers and climbers, with many attempting to complete the full list. The fells are distributed across the Lake District, with popular locations including the Eastern Fells, the Central Fells, and the Northern Fells. Each fell is described in detail in Wainwright’s guides, with information on the best routes to the summit, notable features, and stunning views. The Wainwright Fells are a unique and challenging way to experience the beauty of the Lake District, with something to offer for walkers and climbers of all abilities. The guides have become a classic of outdoor literature, and the Wainwright Fells remain a beloved and iconic part of the Lake District landscape.
Wainwright Outlying Fells
The Wainwright Outlying Fells are a collection of hills and mountains in the Lake District that are described in Alfred Wainwright’s book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. There are 116 Outlying Fells in total, which are located on the outskirts of the main Lake District hills. These fells are often less well-known than the main Wainwright Fells, but still offer beautiful scenery and interesting walks. The Outlying Fells are distributed across the Lake District, with many located in the lesser-visited areas of the national park. Wainwright’s guide to the Outlying Fells provides detailed descriptions of each hill, including the best routes to the summit and notable features. The Outlying Fells are a great way to experience the quieter side of the Lake District, away from the crowds of the main hills. They offer a unique and peaceful way to enjoy the beauty of the Lake District landscape, with many hidden gems to discover and explore, and are a valuable addition to Wainwright’s series of guides.
Collectibility and Condition
Original dust wrappers and clean condition significantly impact collectibility and value of Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells series, with excessive scarcity of complete sets in good condition.
Rarity of First Editions
The rarity of first editions of Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells is a significant factor in determining their value and collectibility. According to various sources, including book collectors and dealers, it is extremely difficult to find complete sets of first editions in good condition. The first volume, The Eastern Fells, is particularly scarce, especially with its original dust wrapper. The rarity of these editions can be attributed to the fact that they were published over 50 years ago, and many copies have been lost, damaged, or worn out over time. As a result, collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay premium prices for rare and well-preserved copies of these guides. The Internet has also played a significant role in facilitating the buying and selling of rare books, including Wainwright Pictorial Guides, making it easier for collectors to find and acquire these scarce editions. Overall, the rarity of first editions is a key aspect of their collectibility and value.
Condition of the Volumes
The condition of the Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells is a crucial factor in determining their value and collectibility. Many of the volumes have been well-preserved and remain in very good condition, with their original dust wrappers intact. However, some volumes may have suffered from wear and tear, with chipping or fading to the dust wrappers; Internal repairs may have been made to some volumes, but overall, the condition of the guides is generally good. The use of high-quality paper and binding has helped! to ensure that the volumes have remained in good condition over the years. Collectors and enthusiasts often seek out volumes that are in excellent condition, with minimal signs of wear or damage. A custom-made slipcase can help to protect the volumes and preserve their condition, making them a valuable addition to any collection of Wainwright Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, with some volumes being more scarce than others in terms of condition.