Aurochs and Auks: Essays on mortality and extinction

Aurochs and Auks is a meditation on death, extinction, renewal, and continuity, exploring the history of the auroch and the Great Auk and their extinctions caused by human persecution.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 18 October 2021
Publisher: Little Toller Books

Aurochs and Auks is a profoundly moving and intellectually stimulating exploration of the natural processes of death, extinction, renewal, and continuity. John Burnside, inspired by his own near-death experience during a pandemic, delves into the rich history of the auroch (Bos primigenius), the wild cattle that has inspired sacred and cultural imagery across Europe. From the legendary Minotaur and Cretan bull dances to Spanish corrida traditions, the auroch has played a significant role in human culture.

However, Burnside's narrative takes a somber turn as he explores the tragic extinction of the Great Auk, a curious bird whose demise in the mid-nineteenth century was caused by human persecution. This extinction serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of human actions on the natural world.

In the subsequent chapters, Burnside delves into the multiple extinctions occurring in both the outer and inner worlds. He examines the ecological, social, and philosophical implications of these extinctions, raising thought-provoking questions about the fragility of our planet and the importance of conservation efforts.

Through his meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Burnside offers a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of life and the forces that shape our world. Aurochs and Auks is a must-read for anyone interested in the natural world, environmental issues, and the human impact on the planet.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781908213891