Oblong quarto. xxvi, [2], 150pp, [11]. With a terminal appreciation of Rena Gardiner and leaf of acknowledgements, lithographed title page and numerous in-text lithographed illustrations depicting the villages and towns of south-east Dorset. Original publisher's blue cloth, debossed paper lettering-piece to upper board, with original pictorial lithographed dust-wrapper. Lithographed endpapers. Housed, as issued, in a custom green cloth slip-case by Ludlow Bookbinders, and accompanied by two limited reproductions of cards produced by the author for the Thomas Hardy Society and Wimborne St. Giles church respectively. Immaculate.

'It is a quiet region, without drama in either landscape or architecture; yet although each of the villages has a similarity of setting, they are quite different in character and appearance. All use the local materials - flint, cob, green and heath stones, brick and thatch - in an infinite variety of shapes and patterns. […] The hotch-potch of materials, mellowed by lichens and time, warmed by sunlight, can look enchanting.'

A limited edition facsimile of Dorset printmaker and author Rena Gardiner’s (1929-1999) Portrait of Dorset, produced by Design for Today in a fine collector's edition. First written, drawn, lithographed and bound for friends in 1960, the book's original run, of only 30 copies, is considered Gardiner's masterpiece. Lovingly reproduced in full colour in 2023 across two runs of 600 copies and a further 150 Specials, her intricate study of Dorset's towns and villages reflects her affection for her county of residence. This special edition is presented in a handmade slip-case, produced by Ludlow Bookbinders, and is accompanied by two limited postcards, reproducing Gardiner's lithographed illustrations for the Thomas Hardy Society and Wimborne St. Giles church.