The Natural History of Selborne

Gilbert White's Natural History of Selborne (1789) is a captivating book that describes the behavior of animals in the rural Hampshire parish of Selborne over a twenty-year period. Written as a series of letters, the book offers a nostalgic evocation of a pastoral vision and has delighted readers from Charles Darwin to Virginia Woolf. This new edition includes contemporary illustrations, a contextualizing introduction, and an appendix of literary responses to the book.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Last summer, I had the pleasure of encountering a fascinating and docile bat, which eagerly removed flies from a person's hand. Gilbert White's renowned Natural History of Selborne (1789) unveils a captivating world of natural wonders. Spanning a remarkable twenty years, White meticulously documents the behavior of animals across the seasons in the picturesque rural parish of Selborne. His observations encompass a wide range of phenomena, from the peculiar habits of an eccentric tortoise to the enigmatic mysteries of bird migration and animal reproduction. With the noble intention of inspiring others to relish the same delight and keen attention in observing their surroundings, White crafts his book as a series of letters, imbuing it with the immediacy of a heartfelt exchange with friends. Yet, beneath the casual facade lies a masterful literary craftsmanship that has captivated readers of diverse backgrounds, from Charles Darwin to Virginia Woolf. His gossipy correspondence has been cherished as a nostalgic evocation of a pastoral vision, serving as a model for local studies of plants and animals and even as a forerunner to modern ecology.

This new edition of Natural History of Selborne is enriched with contemporary illustrations, providing a visual context to the text. Additionally, a contextualizing introduction offers valuable insights into the historical and literary significance of the book. An appendix of literary responses further amplifies the impact and resonance of White's work.

Oxford World's Classics, renowned for over a century, has been committed to presenting the broadest spectrum of literature from across the globe. Each affordable volume in this series reflects Oxford's dedication to scholarship, offering the most accurate text accompanied by a wealth of valuable features. Expert introductions by renowned authorities, insightful notes to clarify the text, comprehensive bibliographies for further exploration, and much more enrich the reading experience.

By delving into the pages of Natural History of Selborne, readers are invited to embark on a captivating journey through the natural world, discovering the wonders that lie within our surroundings. White's meticulous observations and captivating storytelling transport us to a bygone era, yet his insights remain as relevant and inspiring as ever. This new edition of Natural History of Selborne serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature and the timeless allure of nature.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192847447