THERE are many reasons to celebrate the securing of future publication of Alfred Wainwright's legendary walking books, and the printing of them back in Kendal.

Anyone who enjoys the simple pleasure of walking the Fells or the Dales, or reading about doing it, will find the books a delight. The style and approach may be old-fashioned, but they are also timeless. The renewed publication ensures that this pioneer's efforts are re-found for future generations.

It is difficult to understand why previous publishers Michael Joseph made the decision to relinquish the titles and hand the copyright back to AW's widow. It is thought that foot-and-mouth had led to a decline in sales to something like 2,000 a year.

But most authors would be pleased by such sales figures, especially as the books needed no promotion or packaging. They had become established in the minds of walkers across the world. They sold by word of mouth.

Perhaps Michael Joseph's parent, Penguin, was no longer interested in such small fry, being more interested in the macro-economics of blockbusters.

Whatever the reason, Michael Joseph were very helpful in helping those with an interest in Wainwright's work to deal with the frenzy of activity prompted by its own decision.

And out of the literary melee came a contender with the sort of sentimental attachment to the books that would make a decent plot for a work of literature itself.

John Nicholl, managing director of fast-rising publishers, Frances Lincoln, was not only born in Staveley, he grew up reading Wainwright as his favourite bed-time stories and, while pursuing his career to London, kept a Kentmere connection through family and home.

But even Mr Nicholl would not have taken on such a project for purely sentimental reasons. He is a businessman who can recognise an opportunity when he sees one.

The irony is that the publicity over Michael Joseph's decision has stoked up huge interest and printers Titus Wilson are likely to be worked off their feet coping with the demand when the books hit the shelves at Easter.

The Titus Wilson dimension is the other main reason to welcome the news. Wainwright always wanted his books to be printed in Kendal, a town he loved as much as the terrain that surrounds it.

Titus Wilson, which is the book arm of Dixon's Printers, is just about to expand its Burneside Road site. The timing of the deal could not have been better as it not only secures current jobs in the town, it could mean a few more, which is doubly welcome at a time when employment is under such pressure.

Betty Wainwright says that the great man himself would have been delighted with today's announcement. The words most used by everyone involved in the deal were how proud they were to have pulled it off.

After so many blows to the local economy in recent times, it is to be hoped that this simple episode could act as a turning point, helping to restore confidence and acting as a marker for the return of local pride.

February 14, 2003 11:30