A DICTIONARY definition of an icon describes it as being a sign which has a characteristic in common with the thing it signifies.

In Iconic Cornwall, Sarah Chapman features 100 iconic locations squeezed into 60 chapters that enrapture, enthral and instruct us and, indeed, exemplify her native Cornwall.

While everyone will be eager to see how well their area is represented – those living in Penwith, for instance, will be pleased to learn that St Michael's Mount, Tate St Ives, Carn Euny and Cot Valley are included – the author's selection gives broad coverage of all parts of Cornwall.

Sarah lives and works on a smallholding near Hayle with her photographer husband David Chapman, whose images illustrate her chosen icons.

She points out in her introduction that all the icons she has chosen are based around places, so readers looking for other iconic aspects of Cornish life, from the pasty to its humour, its language to is dialect, will, as she says, "have to wait for another book".

While waiting, they could do nothing better than enjoy the delights she and her husband offer here.

Several of their icons, such as Land's End and Truro Cathedral, the tors of Bodmin Moor and the Tamar bridges, will have chosen themselves. Others have gained selection through their association with people who have lived there – like Daphne du Maurier at Fowey – and events, like gig racing on the Isles of Scilly (if Scilly can be regarded as a part of Cornwall).

There is no doubt that almost everyone picking up this book who has even the slightest knowledge of Cornwall will think of sites that should have been included, but, despite that, few will disagree with the author's final choice.

Not only beautifully photographed by David Chapman, a professional photographer who needs no introduction to anyone living on this side of the Tamar, the author Sarah Chapman comes up with an informed and entertaining essay on each of her chosen icons – from the "hidden and less well-known Smuggler's Cottage at Tolverne" to the extremely well-known and immensely popular and successful Eden Project at Bodelva.

She describes the Bodelva site as being "informative, innovative, ever-changing and educational, but most of all impressive". With slight adjustments, much the same can be said of her book.

A first for Sarah Chapman, it is a book which lives up to its claim of reflecting the author's passion for her native Cornwall and her knowledge of its character.

Iconic Cornwall by Sarah Chapman, with photography by David Chapman, is published by Penzance-based publisher Alison Hodge at £12.95.