Outpost: A Journey to the Wild Ends of the Earth

Dan Richards explores the appeal of far-flung outposts in mountains, tundra, forests, oceans, and deserts, and asks why we are drawn to wilderness and what can we do to protect them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2020
Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd

Despite the overwhelming presence of human civilization on our planet, there exist still remnants of untouched wilderness. Dan Richards embarks on a captivating exploration, traversing diverse landscapes such as mountains, tundra, forests, oceans, and deserts, in search of the allure of remote outposts. His journey takes him from the majestic Cairngorms in Scotland to the fire-watch lookouts of Washington State, from the enchanting Houses of Joy in Iceland to the arid Utah desert, from the frozen ghost towns of Svalbard to the revered shrines in Japan, and even to Roald Dahl's writing hut and a lighthouse in the North Atlantic. Richards delves into these landscapes, which have served as inspiration for countless writers, artists, and musicians, and raises profound questions about our innate fascination with the wilderness. He also explores the challenges faced in protecting these precious spaces and ponders the future of outposts situated on the periphery. Through his vivid storytelling and insightful observations, Richards offers a captivating perspective on the enduring beauty and significance of wild places, reminding us of the importance of preserving and nurturing these invaluable treasures for generations to come.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786891570
Edition number: Main