Author: Mark Richards
Photographer: Roger Clegg
Publisher: Cicerone
ISBN: 978-1-85284-558-2

Click Here To Purchase the Spirit of Hadrian's Wall

Why photograph Hadrian’s Wall, asks photographer Roger Clegg? Why not is what I say. This monument runs through Britain’s most splendid land dating back to the era when Romans walked upon the English soil.

I continued reading on and had to whole heartedly agree  - even if you  look silly sitting high above the rain and the wind, as Roger says in his book, nothing can give you a better sensation. You only have to look at the accompanying photographs to understand the point Roger is making.

After reading all about the Romans and how Hadrian’s Wall came into existence, I came across even more beautiful photographs.  It quickly became clear Roger has a very special gift - he can capture the atmosphere and beauty of a landscape in just one shot. Not a lot of people can truly own up to that, even professional photographers.

As we move on through this stunning book all the places Hadrian’s Wall passes through are marked and put into sections making it easy to follow.

The wall passes through industrial Newcastle, a city which “becomes a world of reflections at night.” This much is clear to the reader/viewer, if you take just a moment to study the photograph taken of the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside on a dark evening.

I caught my breath upon seeing Roger’s photograph of Milecastle 24 in the midst of winter. The trees are frosted with snow and ice creating a dreamlike feel.

Heavenfield to Sewingshields in the Clayton country is the next section full of yet more colourful photographs. A lone dog walker is captured strolling along the road to Shire under the dappled sunshine

On another photograph a huge autumnal oak tree is silhouetted against the setting sun at Planetreees. Words alone do not portray its sheer beauty.

Onto the next page and what a delight that was too. This photograph, taken of a field full of poppies, is called “summer red”. How fitting.  I just couldn’t stop gazing.

Some woodland in North Tynedale makes a classic picture of spring. Bluebells adorn the ground like nature’s own carpet.

It is very true that the grounds of Hexham Abby look just like Narnia when taken on a winter’s evening. Fairy lights sparkle and glowing lamps cast a magical tinge over everything. This is just a photograph that would also make a wonderful evocative  Christmas card.

Some of the pictures of Hadrian’s Wall on cold January mornings call out to your very soul. It is almost like the sunshine is beaming right at you off the page and lighting up your face with its warm glow.

“East Banks turret under an eruption of red and blue at sunrise on an autumn day” - say no more.  I was simply lost for words yet again. This is the kind of book you need to see to believe. One of the most out-standing photography books I have ever come across.

The photographs are timeless and remind us all of our roots to nature. Who wouldn’t love this book?!