"Country" by Jasper Conran

I wonder how many people realize just how big this book is? It is monstrous! For anyone thinking that the price tag is a little 'heavy', I will just say that pound for pound this book is MUCH cheaper than a newspaper :-).

Although undoubtedly an 'arty' book with lots of white space and often small text, it is absolutely filled with the most stunning photographs. Jasper captured perfectly the images that we all carry in our heads of that perfectly idealistic notion of what it's like to live in the country.

Thankfully Jasper confirms that if you take the time to look, that ideal still exists. It is clear to me that Jasper looked very hard indeed, often capturing shots that give away the amount of time he took to get it just right. Early morning mist or evening sun to perfectly frame a craft or scene, Jasper captured it.

Visitors to my house home in on it and can't resist hefting it before I lose them once they delve into its magical imagery. I find it an inspiration to do all of those 'real' jobs around the home too, growing herbs, baking, repairing, crafting and generally being useful to my family in ways that we are starting to forget in this 'super busy' age.

Did you know that 95%, yes 95% of people who look at "Country" by Jasper Conran on amazon buy it! Thats pretty impressive for a first book.

"Country" by Jasper Conran, utilizes his own experiences, the landscapes and homes that are familiar to him, to portray a seductive way of life. The allure of the countryside has a universal aspiration for all of us. How can we achieve the dream? Conran argues that it is not about spending money, or even prescribing to a certain style, it's all about appreciation, self-expression and getting back to the root of what makes us tick. Moving from one season to the next, from interior to exterior, from detail to landscape, this is real life as it is actually lived in the country today. Conrans vision informs by captivating the senses and the imagination. "Country" is realistic, full of ideas and completely engrossing - an easy book to spend time with. Beautifully conceived, beautifully photographed and beautifully written, "Country" is a new kind of lifestyle book - it allows you to live the dream.

For a really great and in depth review of Country head over to the Telegraph article Jasper Conran's Country for the latest word on the inside of this great book.

The article describes how Jasper spent a whole year travelling through rural England, meeting many people who are keeping ancient crafts and traditions alive.

With Jasper Conran's "Country", you are so obviously getting a very superior book for your money. It's country living, country style, nostalgia, landscape, interiors, detail, still-life, colour, texture, shape, mood and reflection; a beautiful piece of book production that only needs to be seen to be desired. The breathtaking, beautiful photographs capture our yearning for living a simple country life, revelling in stunning landscapes, timeless interiors and close details of textures and objects. Yes its a guide to country style, but its also a book of superb photography, a book to treasure and sheer balm for the soul.

Even in our straitened times, I'd ignore the high price of Conran's book. It's worth every penny and is an ideal candidate for a spot of handselling. The breathtaking beautiful photographs capture our yearning for living a simple country life, revelling in stunning landscapes, timeless interiors and close details of textures and objects. Yes it's a guide to country style but it's also a book of superb photography, a book to treasure and sheer balm for the soul.
Sue Barker - Bookseller

Jasper Conran is an internationally successful designer with a brand recognized all over the world. He is most recognized for his couture fashion and his diffusion line, J by Jasper Conran, for Debenhams. He also designs crystal and china for Wedgwood, glassware, homeware, fragrances, fabrics, jewellery, wallpaper and furniture. He has won numerous awards including British Fashion Designer of the Year and the Prince's Medal.
"Country" is his first book, soon to be released (May was the latest word). Copies can be pre-ordered through Amazon.

So far, Jasper Conran is probably more famous for his range of bags than as an author, you can check out a Jasper Conran Bag here. Jasper Conran is a prolific designer and the current Jasper Conran Bag range numbers over 30 different designs.

Jasper Conran is more than just a designer, he is an inspirational designer, you can find more of Jasper Conran work here. I hope that you will find his work as awesome as I do. The complete range includes, womens clothing, bags for men, designer home goods and even perfumes for men and women.

You can order safely from Amazon your favorite bookseller and all for just £29.50 which is a generous 41% discount for early orders.

If you are reading this in the USA you can get "Country" by Jasper Conran, right here.