Sounds Wild and Broken

Sounds Wild and Broken explores the sounds of the living Earth, the joys and threats of human music, language, and noise, and affirms David George Haskell as a laureate for the earth. It reveals how animals learn their songs and adapt to new environments, and how human music and language belong within this story of ecology and evolution. However, we are also destroyers, now silencing or smothering many of the sounds of the living Earth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

A captivating journey into the captivating world of Earth's sounds, exploring the harmonious melodies of nature and the complexities of human music, language, and noise. This symphony, woven with the melodies of life, is a fascinating, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written masterpiece.

Elizabeth Kolbert, the acclaimed author of "The Sixth Extinction," praises David George Haskell as a true laureate of the Earth, recognizing his profound scientific insights enhanced by his deep affection for the wild landscapes he ardently seeks to preserve.

The New York Times hails it as "wonderful," emphasizing how our limited auditory range and the ways in which human lives are structured often overshadow the planet's immense orchestral richness. The Guardian lauds it as a poignant reminder that the vastness of the Earth's musical tapestry is often obscured by the narrow confines of our auditory perception and the patterns of human existence.

David George Haskell delves into the origins of animal song and traces the entire trajectory of Earth's history, illuminating and celebrating the emergence of the diverse sounds that shape our world. From the ancient mammoth ivory flutes discovered in Paleolithic caves to the modern violins performed in grand concert halls and the electronic music enjoyed through earbuds, we witness the profound interconnectedness of human music and language within the narrative of ecology and evolution.

However, this symphony is not without its challenges. As humans, we bear the responsibility of being both creators and destroyers, and our actions have led to the silencing of many natural sounds. It is a call to action, urging us to recognize the significance of preserving and protecting the delicate balance of Earth's sounds for generations to come.

In conclusion, "Sounds Wild and Broken" is a remarkable exploration of the sounds of the living Earth, offering a profound appreciation for the harmonious melodies of nature and the intricate tapestry of human music, language, and noise. Through David George Haskell's insightful observations and lyrical prose, we are invited to re-imagine our relationship with the natural world and to recognize the urgent need to safeguard the precious sounds that sustain us and connect us to our planet.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571362097
Edition number: Main