Friday 29 January 2010

'Still blue beauty', by Llewelyn Powys

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This is a companion book to ‘Durdle Door to Dartmoor’, also published by The Sundial Press. It contains more short essays on the West Country countryside and its famous people, with a large dose of personal family reminiscences. This little volume helps one appreciate the natural and cultural riches of this part of England, as well as being a useful insight into the talented Powys family.

I decided to use the two books as a travel guide and in the month of July took a brief driving holiday to the area. Having the essays to hand, so well written and quick to read, enhanced my enjoyment of places such as Cerne Abbas, Weymouth, Portland, East Chaldon, Studland and Corfe Castle. However these essays are not a tourist brochure – Powys is keen to dig into his personal memories and bring in historical and literary anecdotes, even if they wander off the ostensible subject sometimes. This gives a strong feeling of being in the company of a colourful individual, and one who loves life.

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