The Wild Isles: An Anthology of the Best of British and Irish Nature Writing

The Wild Isles is a collection of the finest British and Irish nature writing, showcasing the diverse moods and voices of contemporary writers. It explores the environmental problems facing us today and celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

The landscapes of Britain and Ireland, along with the creatures and plants that inhabit them, have deeply ingrained themselves in our collective imagination. From the works of Gilbert White and Dorothy Wordsworth to the writings of Laurie Lee and Nan Shepherd, literature inspired by the natural world has become an integral part of our shared identity and shaped our relationship with the islands we call home. In his book, The Wild Isles, Patrick Barkham has curated a diverse collection of the finest British and Irish nature writing, showcasing an array of moods and voices. His selections are organized under themes such as birds, woods, coastlines, childhood, seasons, and urban nature, juxtaposing excerpts from beloved classics with passages by contemporary writers like Robert Macfarlane, James Rebanks, and Helen Macdonald. Within these pages, readers will discover joyous celebrations of landscapes and the wildlife they nurture, as well as probing explorations of the environmental challenges we face today. Additionally, The Wild Isles offers fresh and vital perspectives from writers from underrepresented backgrounds, contributing to the growth and endurance of British and Irish nature writing.

If British and Irish nature writing is to thrive and endure, Barkham argues in his introduction, it must be diverse, complex, multifaceted, and dynamic, and relevant to everyone who lives on this land. Spanning the rugged heights of the Cairngorms, the ancient woodlands of Essex, the storm-lashed islands of Ireland's west coast, and the lush fields of Devon, The Wild Isles showcases nature's capacity to terrify and delight, soothe and heal, surprise, inspire, and bring wonder.

Through his meticulous selection and thoughtful arrangement, Barkham invites readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of British and Irish nature writing, exploring the intricate connections between humans and the natural world. The Wild Isles serves as a testament to the power of literature to inspire, educate, and ignite a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet.

Weight: 1004g
Dimension: 182 x 245 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803287409