Bookshelf
The Buxton Hydro (Spa Hotel) by Peter Lomas WITH plans in the pipeline to revive Buxton's prominence as a spa treatment centre as part of the re-development of the town's Grade I listed Crescent, what better time to indulge in some hydropathic therapy? Peter Lomas began writing his book as an exercise in family history, but soon uncovered so much of local and social interest that he believed his account would have a much wider appeal. It chronicles the story of the Buxton Hydro, described by Lomas as 'the spa town's bestknown hydropathic between 1866 and 1974', when one of Buxton's most prominent Victorian buildings was demolished. Lomas's detailed account begins with the life of Reverend James Shore, an Anglican minister from Devon, who changed direction in the 1840s to launch the Malvern House Hydro in Buxton. He describes its development by Shore's grandson, HRP Lomas, who built up the business to become one of the largest of its kind in the Midlands, and includes highlights of its later history as a hospital for Canadian soldiers towards the end of the First World War and as offices for Norwich Union during World War II before its untimely demise. As Lomas points out: 'In these more enlightened times, it would have been listed and saved by grants for historic buildings'. £14.99, Country Books/Ashridge Press, ISBN 978 1 901214 83 3, e-mail: dick.richardson@country-books.co.uk or 01629 640670.
The Inn Way to the Peak District by Mark Reid WINTER may not be the ideal time to forsake armchair and fireside for a marathon 84-mile (135 km) circular walk around the Peak - but this book could tempt you back out when the better weather finally arrives! Sixth in a series of books by outdoor writer Mark Reid,The Inn Way to the Peak District charts a six-day hike through the heart of the area, passing 51 traditional country pubs along the way. Starting and finishing at Hayfield in the Dark Peak, and taking in landscapes as diverse as the rugged plateau of Kinder Scout and the limestone dales of the White Peak, it includes overnight stops at Hathersage, Baslow,Youlgrave,Tideswell and Castleton. There is also detailed information on history, geography, places of interest, traditional inns, local breweries, routes and maps.Anyone keen to help preserve the Peak District's unique landscape will also be interested to know that a percentage of the profit from sales of the book will be used to support conservation and recreation projects in the National Park. And if 84 miles sounds a long way, spare a though for Mark, who walked more than 600 miles of footpaths and bridleways over a two year period while doing his research. Now that's dedication! £8.99, InnWay Publications, ISBN 978 1 902001 09 8, www.innway.co.uk or 01423 871750.
Peak Light - The Peak District photography of Dave Butcher SEEING things in black and white is not always the most broad-minded option - but in this case it opens up a whole new perspective on the varied and dramatic scenery of the Peak District. Dave Butcher, based in Tunstead Milton, near Whaley Bridge, has lived and worked in the area since 1988, and his latest book takes the reader on a monochrome tour from the limestone dales in the south to the peat bogs of the Dark Peak. Helpfully arranged from south to north, with a useful map pinpointing exact locations, Dave's photographs encourage readers to literally follow in his footsteps. The ex-chemist turned lensman chooses to work exclusively in black and white, using film cameras, because he believes it is such a powerful medium to convey drama and atmosphere through form and tone. His shots range from sweeping vistas to rock forms and woodlands to waterfalls. Several sets of images illustrate the same landscape in different seasons and weather conditions. As well as bringing together a collection of striking images, Peak Light gives an interesting insight into the techniques and equipment used to produce them, so will appeal to landscape lovers and photographers alike. £14.99, Dave Butcher Photography, ISBN 978 0 9555627 0 9,www.davebutcher.net, e-mail: mono@davebutcher.net or 01663 733771.