Throughout the book there are many old sepia toned photographs of the buildings in earlier times.  It is interesting to compare these with their contemporary equivalents, usually on the same page, and note the changes that have taken place.

Those of you who enjoy trying to take photographs of Portmeirion from unusual angles will be impressed by many of the pictures in this book.  A genuine attempt has been made to come up with shots which show each building to best effect, naturally enough, and it has to be said that they have in the main succeeded.

Also of interest are the many small photographs of the details that can be found on the buildings and which are so characteristic of Sir Clough's style of architecture.  Indeed, they may cause some readers to look at the Village through new eyes on their next visit.

There are also small interior photos of some of the cottages though I feel that more could have been made of this aspect.  In fact, it is a reluctant criticism of this book, that many of the photographs are very small indeed.  Some could, without exaggeration, be covered by a postage stamp.  A necessity perhaps in trying to include so much visual information in a book of 24cm x 17cm.

While the book is concerned with the architecture and history of Portmeirion, there are a number of interesting anecdotes.  We are reminded of the fact that Noël Coward wrote Blithe Spirit during a stay at Portmeirion and that the statue of Buddha was a film prop from The Inn of the Sixth Happiness.  Of course, The Prisoner is also mentioned, especially in the section on the Round House or Number Six's cottage as it is better known.  There is also a photograph of McGoohan as Number Six standing outside the building.  McGoohan and The Prisoner are also included in the section on White Horses cottage. 

In addition to covering in detail all of Portmeirion's buildings, the book closes with sections on Y Gwyllt (the woods) Castell Deudraeth (probably the place to be seen in from this year when the place is due to reopen) and Plas Brondanw.

This guide book is, without doubt, a thing of beauty.  Perhaps it could be argued that its content (especially the photographs) would have been done more justice had they been presented in a larger format coffee-table book but this would have been far more expensive and, as a result, far less accessible to many people (although if you are reading this, Portmeirion, you should still do it!)

The book contains many rare old photographs that I certainly hadn't seen before and also some of the information may surprise even those who consider themselves to be Portmeirion addicts.

To sum up.  An excellent book and superb value at only £3.00. Get one to keep and one to read down by the pool or outside your cottage on your next visit!