Lakeland Book of the Year: Jim Crumley and Stan Abbott named on shortlists
Posted on June 24, 2022
Weโre happy to report that Jim Crumley and Stan Abbott have been shortlisted at the 2022 Lakeland Book of the Year awards, with their books Lakeland Wild and Walking the Line, respectively.
Jim and Stan follow in the footsteps of Saraband authors who have been selected for these awards in the recent past: Karen Lloydโs The Gathering Tide and The Blackbird Diaries and Nicola Martinโs Dead Ringer all won awards, while Dick Capel was shortlisted with his book on the Eden Valley, The Stream Invites us to Follow. Lakeland Book of the Year celebrates writing inspired by the Lake District.
Jim Crumleyโs Lakeland Wild has been shortlisted for the Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscape & Tradition. Many people believe that wildness is long gone from the Lake Districtโs fells, lakes, tarns andย becks, yet, within its boundaries, Jim Crumley sets out to prove them wrong โ to find โa new way of seeing and writing about this most seen and written about of landscapes”. With a naturalistโs eye and a poetโs instinct he is drawn to Lakelandโs turned-aside places where nature still thrives, from low-lying shores to a high mountain oakwood thatโs not even on the map. Through backwaters and backwoods, Crumley traces this captivating landโs place in the evolution of global conservation and pleads the case for a far-reaching reappraisal of all of Lakelandโs wildness.
Jim said: “What a lovely surprise to be shortlisted for the Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscape and Tradition for my first book about the Lake District. My thanks to the judges.”
Stan Abbottโs Walking the Line has been shortlisted in the Striding Edge Prize for Guides & Places category. In Walking the Line, Stan takes us to what is widely known as Englandโs most picturesque line, the enduring Settle โ Carlisle Railway. It crosses the north Pennines between Yorkshire and Cumbria, traversing stunning scenery from the Dales through the lonely and lofty fells to the limestone pavements of Westmorland, and on into the lush, green Eden Valley. The line was built by the Midland Railway company in the 1870s, to forge an independent route connecting its English network with Scotland. Uniquely for a railway in the UK, the entire infrastructure is a Conservation Area in its own right โ comprising viaducts, stations, bridges, tunnels, trackside structures and railway workersโ cottages.ย By walking all or parts of the route from Settle to Carlisle, you get the chance to get up close to this iconic railwayโs magnificent architecture. And in the company of a knowledgeable guide, youโll also discover centuriesโ-worth of local history and traditions: Roman remains, medieval castles, the annual Appleby Horse Fair gathering, and much more besides.
Stan said: “Iโm delighted that the judges have chosen to shortlistย Walking the Lineย from a hugely competitive field and shall await the final judgement with everything duly crossed!”
Saraband publisher Sara Hunt said: โIt’s lovely to see Jim and Stan shortlisted for these awards. The recognition is well deserved for both their books, and I’m looking forward very much to the awards ceremony.”
Congratulations Jim and Stan!
Winners will be announced on Tuesday 12th July 2022 at Stonecross Manor, Kendal.
