Vintage 1950 First Edition National Trust Guide: Places of Natural Beauty by D. M. Matheson

A beautiful first edition copy of National Trust Guide: Places of Natural Beauty by D. M. Matheson, published in 1950 by B. T. Batsford Ltd.

Written by the former Secretary of the National Trust, the book journeys through some of Britain’s most treasured landscapes, with sections covering Wales, the Lake District, the Midlands, the South West, Ireland and beyond. Filled with evocative descriptions and period photography, it’s a lovely little snapshot of the British countryside as it was being documented and protected in the mid-century.

The original illustrated dust jacket is especially beautiful, with wonderfully soft, painterly colours and plenty of age and wear around the edges that only adds to its charm. A lovely book for a coffee table, bedside stack or for anyone who loves the countryside, National Trust history and old travel books.