A Northumberland author's book has been reprinted ahead of Christmas after proving a hit with readers in the county.
Northumberland Rocks by Ian Jackson was first printed at the end of 2021 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Charity trustee and geologist Jackson chose 50 rock sites across the county to tell its geological history over the last 425 million years.
He aims to explain the reason for the region's outstanding scenery and landscape, while even diving into the urban geology of central Newcastle and of course, the Great Whin Sill. Sold at bookshops throughout the region, it has been an unexpected hit, with visitors from the USA and Asia reported to have picked up the book as a keepsake of their trip to the North East; as well as gaining plenty of local interest.
Ian Jackson, author of Northumberland Rocks, said: "From childhood I was always curious about the countryside around me, why is that hill there, what is that stone made of; so my choice of career was never a surprise. After more than 40 years working as a professional geologist, I wanted to use that experience to help others understand why our landscape is like it is.
"So I thought I’d see if I could write a book that was both attractive and accessible to everyone with that same curiosity about the land around them. That people have really enjoyed the book and engaged with their rocky past is just brilliant."
Helen Stanton of Forum Books in Corbridge, added: "Northumberland Rocks took us completely by surprise as within just a few weeks it became our number one best seller. What a beautiful, engaging book with rocky tales and gorgeous full colour photographs that really show off Northumberland’s diverse landscape.
"It’s a great source for ideas for walks that are fun but will inform and take you to parts of the county you may not know were there. And once customers have discovered the book, they’re coming back to buy it again as a gift."
Alison Cuthbertson, manager of the Sill Visitor Centre in Northumberland National Park, said: "We haven’t been able to keep pace with sales. It fulfilled a real need for something that explains the landscape of the county in straightforward language – something between the complete detail of academic books and guide books."
Another 2,000 copies of Northumberland Rocks have been printed in the run up to Christmas 2022, with money raised from its sales being donated to Northumberland Wildlife Trust. For more information, visit the Northumberland Wildlife Trust shop, visit publisher Northern Heritage's website or pop into your local bookshop.
Have you read Northumberland Rocks or given it as a gift? Let us know!
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