English Pastoral: An Inheritance - The Sunday Times bestseller from the author of The Shepherd's Life

English Pastoral is a beautifully written story of a family, a home, and a changing landscape. It tells of how rural landscapes around the world were brought close to collapse, and the age-old rhythms of work, weather, community, and wild things were lost. However, it is also a song of hope, showing how one farmer began to salvage a tiny corner of England and leave a legacy for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The Sunday Times Nature Book of the Year is a captivating new bestseller from the acclaimed author of "The Shepherd's Life." This beautifully written story delves into the lives of a family, their home, and the ever-changing landscape surrounding them.

As a young boy, James Rebanks was fortunate to receive guidance from his grandfather, a skilled farmer who taught him the traditional ways of working the land. Their family farm nestled in the picturesque Lake District hills, was a testament to the ancient agricultural landscape that had thrived for generations. It was a tapestry of crops, meadows, pastures grazed by livestock, and hedgerows teeming with wildlife. However, when James inherited the farm, it was a shell of its former self. The fields were empty, the old stone barns had crumbled, and the skies were devoid of birds and their melodious song.

"English Pastoral" is a poignant tale that explores the devastating impact of rural landscapes worldwide on the age-old rhythms of work, weather, community, and wild creatures. It sheds light on how these landscapes were brought to the brink of collapse, and the loss of the traditional way of life that had sustained these communities for centuries. Yet, this elegiac narrative from the northern fells also holds a glimmer of hope. It tells the story of one farmer's determination to reclaim a small corner of England that had become his own, and his unwavering commitment to restore the life that had vanished and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

At its core, "English Pastoral" is a book about the profound connection between humans and the land they inhabit. It explores the idea of inheritance and the responsibility that comes with it. It reveals how rural landscapes around the world were ravaged by modern practices, leading to the erosion of traditional ways of life and the decline of wildlife populations. However, it also shows how one farmer, guided by the wisdom of the past, embarked on a mission to reclaim a piece of land and revive the lost rhythms of work, weather, community, and wild things.

Through his unwavering dedication and hard work, the farmer managed to restore a tiny corner of England to its former glory. He worked tirelessly to cultivate crops, care for livestock, and preserve the natural habitat. He also sought to reconnect with the local community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the land.

"English Pastoral" is not a utopian vision of a perfect pastoral world. It acknowledges the challenges and complexities that come with rural life. It recognizes that building a new pastoral is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires a deep understanding of the land, the community, and the traditions that have shaped it. However, it also offers a glimmer of hope that it is still possible to create a decent and sustainable future for all.

The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, from the rolling hills and lush meadows to the delicate flora and fauna that inhabit it. It paints a vivid picture of the joys and struggles of rural life, and the deep connection between humans and the land. It is a heartfelt book that resonates with readers on a personal level, reminding us of the importance of love, pride, and responsibility in our relationships with the natural world.

"English Pastoral" has received widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its beautiful writing, its insightful observations, and its ability to evoke emotions and inspire hope. It has won numerous awards, including the Wainwright

Winner of the Wainwright Prize
Winner of the Fortnum & Mason Food Book of the Year
Short listed for the Orwell Prize
Short listed for the Ondaatje Prize
Long listed for the Rathbones Folio Prize

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780141982571