A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook

A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook made its debut in October 1972. The esteemed bookshop chain in Cumbria, Henry Roberts, featured an advertisement in Cumbria magazine, which initially acknowledged the publication. Notably, The Westmorland Gazette did not announce the publication until the following issue.

In June, Wainwright finalised his work on the guide for A Coast to Coast Walk, and preparations for its publication in the upcoming year were underway. With this significant project accomplished, he could focus on crafting The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. Following this, he planned to commence the groundwork for The Lesser Fells of Lakeland, initially titled The Outlying Fells of Lakeland.

Cumbria magazine October 1972

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First Edition is identified by:

  1. Orange cloth case with gold blocking
  2. £1.05 price on the dust jacket
  3. A Coast to Coast Walk and A Fifth Lakeland Sketchbook listed as – In preparation
In preparation helps identify a First Edition
A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook
An orange clothbound case on its own does not necessarily identify a First Edition
A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook
First Edition price

Mr. Brayshay, the News Editor at the Evening Despatch in Darlington, extensively reviewed several of Wainwright’s sketchbooks. Regrettably, I have only obtained one of his original reviews, which is included with A Second Lakeland Sketchbook.

Review copies were sent out to the press before publication
A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook
A signed First Edition
A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook
A signed later impression

By early 1973, the initial four sketchbooks had undergone reprints with distinct coloured cases. This presented a challenge in distinguishing First Editions, particularly for newcomers to the series.

A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook
Later, sketchbook prints from 1973 and 1974
The Blea Tarn drawing was featured in many publications, including later impressions of Fellwanderer
The original gold blocking (image mirrored)
First Edition dust jacket negative
A Fourth Lakeland Sketchbook
An early 1980s print and Frances Lincoln’s 2004 publication
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