Star-Nosed Mole: An Anthology of Scented Garden Writing

Isabel Bannerman's Scent Magi c, an acclaimed memoir of plants, gardens, and scent, explores the star-nosed mole's sensory-motor organ and how writers have considered the lilies of the field and how they smell. This anthology evokes the scented garden through poetry and prose spanning millennia, from Ovid to Proust, Milton to George Eliot, and Emily Dickinson to Alice Oswald.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd

After the publication of her acclaimed memoir, Scent Magi c , Isabel Bannerman found herself deeply immersed in the world of plants, gardens, and scent. Driven by her fascination with the intricate sensory-motor organ of the star-nosed mole, she delved deeper into the realm of the soil kingdom, exploring the challenges of writing effectively about smell. As she grazed through literature, gathering quotes and insights, she wondered how and to what extent writers had considered the lilies of the field and the captivating aroma they exuded.

In the reviews of Scent Magic , Isabel's ability to capture the essence of what often eludes language was praised. Her book was described as nothing less than poetry, with a wonderful range of reference and allusion that brought the scented garden to life through a fusion of poetry and prose spanning millennia. From the timeless words of Ovid to the poignant passages of Proust, from Milton's lyrical descriptions to George Eliot's evocative imagery, and from Emily Dickinson's delicate poems to Alice Oswald's modern interpretations, Isabel's anthology weaves together a tapestry of scents and emotions.

Through her beautifully written linking passages, Isabel skillfully brings together carefully chosen quotations with her dramatic, powerful, and mysterious plant images. She evokes a sense of the scented garden, spanning centuries and traversing different literary genres. Each passage is a testament to the power of words to transport readers to a world where the aroma of flowers and foliage fills the air, and where the scents of history and literature intertwine.

In Scent Magi c , Isabel Bannerman has created a masterpiece that invites readers to explore the world of scent through the lens of literature. Her anthology is a testament to the enduring beauty and power of words, and a celebration of the sensory experiences that can enrich our lives. Whether you are a lover of plants, gardens, or literature, this book will captivate your senses and leave you longing for more.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 177 x 238 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910258453