Encounters with Wainwright by David Johnson

What was Alfred Wainwright, creator of the definitive Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells and many other books and artwork, really like? Who better to answer this than those who really knew him.

‘Encounters with Wainwright’ is an important new book, published by The Wainwright Society, containing 120 stories of people who met or knew Alfred Wainwright. From 75 years ago in Blackburn, through to his final days in Kendal in 1991.

Most of these first-hand memories, like many of the accompanying photographs, have not previously been published. They show Wainwright as he really was; a more complex and endearing figure than often portrayed. This entertaining and informative book is the result of three years’ detailed research and detective work by David Johnson, editor of The Wainwright Society's magazine, Footsteps.

The book, Runner-up in the Lakeland Book of the Year Awards 2017, has been well received, as the following comments indicate:

“When David first mentioned the Encounters with Wainwright project, I knew it would be a winner. More, it would in a way set the record straight … Discover a new, more rounded Wainwright in the pages of this excellent book.” (Eric Robson)

“When this project was first suggested, my sister Annie and I were delighted. Already several of those who knew AW well were no longer alive and so it was important to capture information from those who were … What has been produced has exceeded our wildest expectations … We are very grateful for the enormous amount of work and determination that has gone into making this project a reality.” (Jane King, daughter of Betty Wainwright)

All profits from the book are being donated to Animal Rescue Cumbria, the charity that Wainwright supported passionately. Available at George Fisher and from The Wainwright Society.

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