The South Downs

In the "South Downs", photographer Michael George presents a striking portrait of one of our best-loved landscapes. Beginning his quest in Eastbourne, where the Downs meet the sea in the promontory of Beachy Head, the photographer then travels over the Downs to where they enfold the fascinating county town of Lewes. He ends his journey at Brighton, the other great coastal resort encompassed by the Downs.By focussing on the South Downs as they were conceived in the eighteenth century - what many consider the apotheosis of classical bare chalk Downland in Sussex - Michael George is able to approach the heart of the mystery, and the magic, of the marvellous swathe of hills. He has succeeded in capturing on film a series of vivid and evocative images which, together with his uniquely informative and incisive commentary, make this an indispensable volume.David Dimbleby, in a foreword specially written for this beautiful new book, says: 'Michael George's photographs bring to life all the elements of this English paradise'.