The parish church is one of England's greatest glories, and Dorset contains a superb assortment of some of the most celebrated - from humble country churches on the edge of farmyards to some of England's most famous abbey and priory churches.

Those familiar with Dorset will have their own favourite church, but this selection of 66 of the 'best' of them by the distinguished writer Brendan Lehane will disappoint no one. Some have Saxon origins, a few are Victorian masterpieces, some are in High Streets, many are set amidst some of the most beautiful countryside in the county.

First and foremost Dorset's churches are places of worship but, as Brendan Lehane says in his introduction, their 'walls remember a thousand years of colourful history and personal dramas.' They tell the story of these islands in stone and glass and timber. They have survived plague, fire, the Reformation, Civil War, the threat of invasion, over-zealous 19th century 'restoration', and are today justly enjoyed and visited. Their towers and spires may make them visible reminders of our architectural heritage, but they contain much of our finest vernacular art - from box pews to stained glass, medieval effigies to homely Tudor and Georgian monuments.

Always readable, often surprising, Dorset's Best Churches is illustrated throughout with nearly 200 specially commissioned colour photographs. There is also a Glossary and a list of Significant Dates.

BRENDAN LEHANE

Hardback, 176 pages, ISBN 1 904349 41 2
REDUCED FROM £20 to £9.95