A rich colour photographic record of various beautiful locations along the banks of the river Wye from its source to the estuary through breathtaking scenery, with an introduction by the much-travelled Trevor Fishlock. 90 colour photographs.

Cofnod cyfoethog ffotograffig lliw o leoliadau hardd amrywiol ar hyd glannau afon Gwy o'i tharddiant hyd yr aber drwy olygfeydd hudolus, gyda chyflwyniad gan y teithiwr Trevor Fishlock.

Barry Needle’s photographic essay follows the Wye from its source in a mossy hollow on Plynlimon to the sands under the Severn Bridge. It has an enthusiastic and informative introduction by Trevor Fishlock and a small coda including technical details, but the photographs are left to speak for themselves as a series of locations. These are all clear and attractive. They depict the river at various seasons and, I imagine, many may have a further ‘career’ as picture postcards. This book would be an ideal holiday memento or gift to a visitor.

As photographic art it is, perhaps, lacking the depth and invention one sees in the work of some of the area’s photographers (e.g. Jeremy Moore). However, some
in the collection are fine and evocative. He often makes good use of reflection to striking geometric or stylistic effect: for example, trees in a flood (page 35); the clarity of line in Bigsweir Bridge (69); or the ‘impressionist view of Ross (56). I particularly like the dramatically lit field and poplars near Tintern (73) and the textures of field (45) and foliage (19).

Altogether this book gives a good idea of the variety of landscapes and townscapes traversed by the river with something of its flavour and history.

Caroline Clark

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.