England: A Natural History
English
By (author): John Lewis-Stempel
'A brilliant gift for anyone who loves the countryside.' - Independent
John Lewis-Stempel is the hottest nature writer around. Spectator
'Assured and expert countryside writing' -TLS
His immense, patient powers of observation along with a flair for the anthropomorphic mean he is able to offer a portrait of animal life that's rare in its colour and drama. Observer
That John Lewis-Stempel is one of the best nature writers of his generation is undisputed. Country Life
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Our countryside is iconic: a series of distinctive habitats that unite to create a landscape that is unique for the rich diversity of our flora and fauna. In England, his most magisterial book to date, John Lewis-Stempel explores each in turn, taking us from coast to moor, from downs to field, from the park to the village to create a vivid living portrait of our natural history.
In his trademark lyrical prose, Lewis-Stempel reveals the hidden workings of each habitat: the clear waters and dragonflies; the bluebells, badgers and stag beetles; wild thyme; granite cliffs; rock pools and sandy beaches; red deer standing at ancient oaks; the wayside flowers of the lane; hedgehogs and hares; and snow on the high peak. Each landscape - be it calm green or wild moor, plunging cliff or flatland fen - has shaped our idea of ourselves, our sense of what it is to be in England.
In a stunning package, complete with decorated boards, endpapers, chapterheads and a map, England: A Natural History is the definitive volume on the English landscape and the capstone of John Lewis-Stempel's nature writing.