Under the Rock: The Poetry of a Place

A lyrical and unflinching investigation into nature, literature, history, memory, and the meaning of place in modern Britain, "Under the Rock" explores the stories of badgers, balsam, history, nettles, mythology, moorlands, mosses, poetry, bats, wild swimming, slugs, recession, floods, logging, peacocks, community, apples, asbestos, quarries, geology, industrial music, owls, stone walls, farming, anxiety, relocation, the North, woodpiles, folklore, landslides, ruins, terriers, woodlands, ravens, dales, valleys, walking, animal skulls, trespassing, crows, factories, maps, rain, and a great big rock.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 384 pages
\n Publication date: 17 May 2018
\n Publisher: Elliott & Thompson Limited
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A captivating book by Richard Benson, Scout Rock is a steep crag situated in West Yorkshire, overlooking lush wooded slopes and sprawling weed-tangled plateaus. To some, it may appear ordinary; to others, it holds a haunting allure, with a rich history that includes the presence of 18th-century thieves, the former location of the town tip, and the tragic tales of suicides who leaped to their deaths from its towering heights. Its imposing form played a significant role in the early years of Ted Hughes, who regarded Scout Rock as his spiritual midwife, serving as both the curtain and backdrop to existence.

Enter Benjamin Myers, a man on a quest for a fresh start and seeking solace in the rejuvenating power of nature. With an insatiable curiosity, Myers delves into the stories that intertwine human experiences with the elemental forces of the natural world. The result is a lyrical and unflinching exploration into nature, literature, history, memory, and the profound significance of place in modern Britain.

"Under the Rock" takes readers on a captivating journey through a myriad of subjects. It explores the rich tapestry of badgers, balsam, history, nettles, mythology, moorlands, mosses, poetry, bats, wild swimming, slugs, recession, floods, logging, peacocks, community, apples, asbestos, quarries, geology, industrial music, owls, stone walls, farming, anxiety, relocation, the North, woodpiles, folklore, landslides, ruins, terriers, woodlands, ravens, dales, valleys, walking, animal skulls, trespassing, crows, factories, maps, rain, and, of course, a towering rock.

Through his meticulous research and poetic prose, Myers weaves a rich tapestry that invites readers to immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of the natural world. He challenges our perceptions of what is ordinary and reveals the extraordinary stories hidden within the landscapes we often overlook. "Under the Rock" is a testament to the power of observation, imagination, and the profound connection between humans and the environment. It serves as a reminder that even in the most unremarkable places, there is always room for discovery, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.

\n Weight: 528g\n
Dimension: 146 x 222 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781783963621\n \n