Much Ado About Mothing: A year intoxicated by Britain's rare and remarkable moths

James Lowen narrates a year-long quest to see Britain's rarest and most remarkable moths, exploring their beauty, migratory feats, and camouflage mastery. He discovers a heady world of criminality and controversy, derring-do and determination, and reveals moths to be attractive, astonishing, and approachable. He also tracks the seasons through a kaleidoscope of moth species living innocently yet covertly in his suburban garden, bonding over a shared joy in the uncommon beauty of common creatures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

James Lowen's captivating journey to discover Britain's rarest and most remarkable moths spans a year, uncovering a captivating world of beauty and intrigue. Despite their often overlooked presence, moths hold a remarkable capacity to delight and amaze. Inspired by a transformative encounter with a Poplar Hawk-moth, a magnificent velvet-winged marvel adorned in silver, James sets out on a quest to celebrate the joy of these remarkable creatures. Through his travels across various landscapes, from Cornwall to the Cairngorms, James follows the footsteps of Victorian collectors and contemporary conservationists, seeking to unravel the reasons behind the widespread love for moths, despite their often-maligned reputation. His investigations reveal a fascinating tapestry of criminality, controversy, and determination, as he uncovers the hidden stories behind these captivating insects. James discovers that moths are not only visually stunning but also remarkably adaptable, capable of extraordinary migratory feats and masterful camouflage. As he explores British landscapes, he brings these often-overlooked creatures into the light, shedding light on the state of the nation's wild and not-so-wild habitats. In a delightful twist, James and his young daughter embark on a journey of their own, tracking the seasons through a diverse array of moth species that coexist peacefully in their suburban garden. Through this shared experience, they forge a deep bond over the uncommon beauty of common creatures, highlighting the accessibility and relatability of moths. As James's journey comes to a close, he realizes that moths may be everywhere, but they are truly here. Their ability to inspire and captivate, even in the most unexpected places, makes them invaluable ambassadors for environmental awareness. In a world where nature often feels distant and inaccessible, moths offer a unique and captivating connection to the natural world, reminding us of the wonders that lie just beyond our doorstep.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472966988