Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the place of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown on the southern banks of the James River begins 306 square miles of ravines and level lands, fresh water streams and creeks, and scenic views of Virginia's longest
river. Surry was formed in 1652 and was most likely named by early colonists in honor of the English county of Surrey and in recognition of its location, as it lay across the Thames from London, as did Surry from Jamestown. For more than 350 years, Surry has depended on an agriculture economy and small businesses that developed around the meat processing industry, lumber harvesting, and farming. Residents, state officials, and now this photographic collection help to preserve this wonderful slice of American history.

European settlers came into the area now known as Walkertown as early as the 1750s. From 1850 through the early 20th century, the local economy was dependent on farming, lumber manufacturing, grain milling, and merchandising. Tobacco manufacturing began
early in the 19th century and became a thriving industry for the Sullivan, Booe, Poindexter, and Crews families. The Roanoke & Southern Railroad began serving Walkertown in 1889, and with it the availability of larger markets spurred the growth of industry. The Leight Lumber Company was established near the depot around 1890 and prospered by making boxes for manufacturers and lumber for construction. The Walkertown Chair Company, begun in 1903, flourished until a devastating fire destroyed most of the buildings in 1940. The Walkertown Roller Mill, built by Robah Payne around 1900, has changed hands a few times and is now the oldest continuously operating business in Walkertown.

Being essential to the survival of civilisations, rivers run through mythology - think of ancient Egypt - and religion - think of the Ganges and Hinduism. And they continue to inspire writers and artists - think of Mark Twain's Mississippi and John Steinbeck's Salinas. From the Ganges rising in the Himalayas to the Nile Delta, from the Amazon rainforest to the Bow River flowing out of the Rocky Mountains, from the Rhine to the Rhone, Yangtze to the Mekong, Danube to the Volga to the Ebro, Rivers explores the grandest and most interesting rivers around the world. Arranged by continent, the book reveals the fascinating stories of how rivers have supported and shaped civilisations, the significance that rivers have gained in religion and myth, the battles that have been fought over them, the borders that they have marked, and how rivers have altered their courses, thus changing lives and livelihoods. Illustrated with more than 200 spectacular colour photographs supported by expert captions, Rivers is a fascinating journey from the mountains to the sea.

Bleau Blocs: 100 of the finest boulder problems in the Fontainebleau forest is a visual celebration of this unique and vast bouldering venue. Stephan Denys is the eye of the Fontainebleau forest. Having spent nearly forty years as a photographer and climber roaming every inch of the rocky landscape, he has developed a special bond with these sandstone giants and their unique shapes: sometimes round and bumpy, sometimes sharp and angular, but always fascinating. His photos span a range of eras and are accompanied by texts that expand on the context and characteristics of each boulder problem. Included is a preface by Olivier Lebreton. The 100 striking problems chosen are listed by sector: the National Forest, the Trois Pignons, Larchant and Nemours, followed by Buthiers and l'Essonne. Through this selection, the author shares his vision of bouldering in Fontainebleau and invites us to consider the boulders more deeply from all their angles. An inspiring book for all climbers, whatever their level!