Natural History Books
Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd Origami Dinosaurs: Paper Block Plus 64-Page Book
Book SynopsisGo back to the days when dinosaurs ruled the earth with 15 prehistoric paper-folding projects and 250 sheets of origami paper to sink your teeth into. With 15 designs for big and small dinosaurs, ocean-dwellers and high flyers, there are projects here to entertain any paper paleontologist. Try your hand at the speedy Velociraptor or one of the largest land animals that ever existed, the Apatosaurus. From the Cretaceous period you can make the king of the dinosaurs, the Tyrannosaurus rex, and the ancestor of the modern-day crocodile, the Mosasaurus. Every project includes simple step-by-step instructions and clear photographs, as well as helpful arrows showing you where to fold. Each design has also been given a skill rating, so start with an easy one and once you’ve mastered that move on to something a bit more challenging. Included in this pack are 250 sheets of specially designed pieces of origami paper, so you can start folding right away.
£11.69
Profile Books Ltd Led By The Nose: A Garden of Smells
Book SynopsisJenny Joseph was no ordinary poet - and Led by the Nose is no ordinary memoir. Shaped around the smells of the English countryside, it is full of the wilful personality and the sly humour that characterised the purple-clad old woman in her iconic poem 'Warning'. Joseph's eccentricities permeate each chapter as she flows through the gardening year with its chores and blossoms, frequently leading the reader off the garden path to stop, smell the roses, and ignore the world for a while. Full of the sensual awareness of Jenny Joseph's poetry, Led by the Nose is a singular memoir: a work of delicious diversion and literary flair, horticultural anxieties and countercultural tendencies, providing a glimpse - or sniff - of the landscape of this treasured poet's life.Trade ReviewA gardening book for the literary-minded. -- Woman’s Hour * Radio 4 *A treat for the sensual gardener. -- Alan Titchmarsh * Daily Express *Led by the Nose looks and feels like the perfect present for a favourite gardening aunt. Small and chunky, beautifully illustrated with darkly floral woodcuts by Yvonne Skargon, it charts the changing seasons in Jenny Joseph's "rural slum" * Times Literary Supplement *If you have had enough of gaudy melon flowers, try the poet Jenny Joseph's little paperback, Led by the Nose: A Garden of Smells. It will give you just the right shot of romantic Englishness as you sniff your way through the author's gardening year ... poetic, as you would expect from Joseph, but not soppy -- Stephen Anderton * The Times *Combining the knowledge of a seasoned gardener with the writing power of a poet * Mail on Sunday *You may not think that you know the work of Jenny Joseph, but you do. She is the author of 'Warning: When I am an old woman I shall wear purple' - once voted the nation's favourite poem and a worldwide bestseller. Now she has written this year's most unusual gardening book. * The Times *This little book, covering a year in her own garden, is much more than an account of what borders she dug and when she planted her sweet peas ... the poet's sensitivity comes through in the details ... for those who want to evoke similar Proustian memories * Sunday Times *This book would make a good present for a thoughtful, sensitive gardener, especially an elderly one who is tempted both to wear purple and to pick flowers in other people's gardens * Spectator *
£9.49
Red Robin Publishing Ltd. Birds of Prey 2026 Square Wall Calendar
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£999.99
Red Robin Publishing Ltd. Exotic Birds 2026 Square Wall CalendarR
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Red Robin Publishing Ltd. Wildlife of America 2026 Square Wall Calendar
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Red Robin Publishing Ltd. Border Collie Puppies 2026 Square Wall Calendar
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Browntrout Verlags GmbH Labradors Labradore Labrador Retriever 2026
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£999.99
Browntrout Verlags GmbH Old English Sheepdogs Bobtail 2026
Book Synopsis
£11.21
Browntrout Verlags GmbH Pomeranians Zwergspitz Pomeranian Zwergspitz 2026 16Monatskalender
£999.99
Browntrout Verlags GmbH Whippets Whippet 2026 16Monatskalender
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£999.99
Red Robin Publishing Ltd. British Cathedrals 2026 Square Wall Calendar
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£999.99
Bonnier Books Ltd Hottest Desert Fastest Rocket
Book SynopsisA gifty bind-up of Highest Mountain, Deepest Ocean and Tallest Tower, Smallest Star, this is a fascinating visual compendium exploring extraordinary comparisons in the human and natural world - with fully revised and updated facts and statistics
£15.29
Troubador Publishing Ltd Common Life
a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.
£9.49
David & Charles The Sociable Cat
Book Synopsis
£14.44
HarperCollins Publishers Look Up Our story with the stars
Book SynopsisSarah Cruddas is a gifted writer and Look Up is an inspired book. I am hopeful that we will never stop looking up.' Apollo 11 astronaut Michael CollinsMost of us have never been to space. To date, of the more than 100 billion humans that have ever existed, fewer than 600 humans have ever left Earth. But the exploration of space is the most significant thing we will ever do as a species.Sarah Cruddashas been looking to the skies her entire life. Her childhood was spent staring at the Moon and hearing stories of the space race, and she worked in a fruit factory to fund her love of the subject. Her subsequent career studying astrophysics, and becoming a television host and space journalist has seen her report on space exploration and chase launches across the world. InLook UpSarah explains why she has always been a passionate advocate for why space should matter to everyone.From our ancestors who first painted patterns of the stars in caves, to the US and Soviet pioneers who first forgedTrade Review‘Sarah Cruddas is a gifted writer and Look Up is an inspired book. I am hopeful that we will never stop looking up.’ Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins ‘If the Mars Rover landing left you breathless then try this new book by our Sarah Cruddas… she’ll inspire you further.’ Carol Vorderman ‘Full of optimism’ BBC Sky at Night Magazine ‘Practical and philosophical’ Choice Magazine ‘Genuinely one of the best space books I’ve read. The inclusiveness, breadth of topic and level of description are brilliant, coupled with the important underlying messages… I was very inspired indeed.’ Mark Ling, RAF Red Arrows
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Silk
Book SynopsisThere is not just one story of silk.In silk is science, history and mythology.In silk is the future.Aarathi Prasad's Silk is a gorgeous new history weaving together the story of a unique material that has fascinated the world for millennia.Through the scientists who have studied silk, and the biology of the animals from which it has been drawn, Prasad explores the global history, natural history, and future of a unique material that has fascinated the world for millennia.For silk, prized for its lightness, luminosity, and beauty is also one of the strongest biological materials ever known. More than a century ago, it was used to make the first bulletproof vest, and yet science has barely even begun to tap its potential. As the technologies it has inspired from sutures to pharmaceuticals, replacement body parts to holograms continue to be developed in laboratories around the world, they are now also beginning to offer a desperately needed, sustainable alternative to the plastics chokiTrade Review‘A tour of the anecdotal, the industrial and the gruesome . . . Readers coming to this globetrotting and species-leaping volume expecting vignette after genteel vignette of 5,000-odd years of Chinese silk manufacture are in for a nasty shock. Here be spiders, and not just spiders, but metre-long Mediterranean clams, and countless moth species spinning their silks everywhere from Singapore to Suriname’ Financial Times ‘The global scope of Prasad’s book draws out its most compelling material links’ Daily Telegraph, four-star review ‘Prasad is such an infectious and knowledgeable enthusiast that it is hard not to be swept away by her enticing facts’ Literary Review 'Both scientific and poetic, this remarkable book shows how the great tides of history are shaped through human encounters with the intricate variety of the non-human world'David Wengrow, co-author of the international bestseller The Dawn of Everything ‘Fascinating . . . Prasad cross-crosses centuries and cultures to tell of the intrepid explorers, botanists, scientists and entrepreneurs who were determined to unravel the secrets of silk production. Her book captures their persistence and her own in the search for the little-told but revelatory stories of human curiosity and ingenuity’ Clare Hunter, author of Threads of Life 'A wonder of a narrative. Like the transformation of caterpillar to moth that she explores so beautifully, this is a network of threads that spin around the world and tell a story of science, of history, of humanity itself' Kate Strasdin author of The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes ‘An incredible read. Deeply researched, dazzling’ Seirian Sumner, author of Endless Forms ‘Prasad weaves her strands of science, history and culture to create a rich narrative tapestry that's as sumptuous as the material itself. Full of fascinating detail’Gaia Vince, author of Nomad Century
£18.70
HarperCollins Publishers Collins Backyard Chickenkeepers Bible
Book SynopsisChickens are many things: sources of meat and eggs, lovable pets, amusing images on merchandise, and a source of comfort at the end of a hard day. Whether we're considering joining the growing flock of backyard chicken-keepers or simply cheered by leafing through images of gorgeous poultry, our love for chickens is strong.The trend for backyard chickens has surged during the pandemic. Amazon searches for chick supplies are up 758%, with local hatcheries recording a 500% demand increase, as people look to reduce environmental impact, improve food traceability, connect with nature, or simply to relish the pure joy of chicken company.The Collins Backyard Chicken-keeper's Bible is the fourth title in this stunning and engaging series, and the perfect smallholder companion to The Beekeeper's Bible. It is packed with everything you need to fully embrace your new chicken-keeping lifestyle. A sumptuous aesthetic is paired with practical tips on identifying backyard breeds and supporting good cTrade ReviewOn Collins Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible:‘An exquisitely illustrated book that everyone should be twitching to get their hands on … The information is accessible to beginners and novices, offering insightful tips for even experienced birdwatchers. With this book, educating oneself further about birds needn’t be a flight of fancy’ The Field
£24.00
HarperCollins Publishers Two Dogs
Book SynopsisThe brilliant story of two dachshunds and their escapades by Ian Falconer, the bestselling creator of the Olivia series!One day, home alone, dachshund brothers Perry and Augie look longingly out the window, desperate to be outside. Working together, the clever dogs finally manage to open the back door and soon they're diving into the swimming pool, digging an enormous hole in the lawn, and causing all kinds of chaos. Will all return to normal before their owners come home?Written with humour and brilliantly illustrated by Ian Falconer, bestselling creator of the Olivia series, these delightful dogs are sure to become a firm favourite in every home!
£7.59
Penguin Books Ltd The Sirens of Mars
Book SynopsisAs a new wave of interplanetary exploration unfolds, a talented young planetary scientist charts our centuries-old obsession with Mars.''Beautifully written, emotive - a love letter to a planet'' DERMOT O''LEARY, BBC Radio 2Mars - bewilderingly empty, coated in red dust - is an unlikely place to pin our hopes of finding life elsewhere. And yet, right now multiple spacecraft are circling, sweeping over Terra Sabaea, Syrtis Major, the dunes of Elysium and Mare Sirenum - on the brink, perhaps, of a discovery that would inspire humankind as much as any in our history. With poetic precision and grace, Sarah Stewart Johnson traces the evocative history of our explorations of Mars. She interlaces her personal journey as a scientist with tales of other seekers - from Galileo to William Herschel to Carl Sagan - who have scoured this enigmatic planet for signs of life and transformed it in our understanding from a distant point of light into a compTrade ReviewBeautifully written, emotive - a love letter to a planet -- Dermot O'Leary * BBC Radio 2 *Elegantly written and boundlessly entertaining * Sunday Telegraph *Beguiling * The Times *Johnson's prose swirls with lyrical wonder, as varied and multi-hued as the apricot deserts, butterscotch skies and blue sunsets of Mars -- Anthony Doerr * New York Times Book Review *The inside story of the exploration of Mars. A young woman scientist shows what it is like to be in the thick of exciting and ground-breaking research. -- Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Professor of Astrophysics, University of OxfordExhilarating, informative, always engaging... beautiful in its descriptions -- Andrew Crumey * Literary Review *This elegantly crafted book conveys what it's like to be a young scientist involved in the quest. -- Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and author of On the Future: Prospects for HumanityA celebration of human curiosity, passion and perseverance. Superb in its storytelling, majestic in its vision, The Sirens of Mars will give readers a new appreciation for the preciousness of life in the cosmos. -- Alan Lightman, author of Einstein's DreamsThe Sirens of Mars provides the prospect of great discovery, and an introduction to a writer of the first rank. -- Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard UniversityThere's no better guide to what NASA's various Mars missions have revealed ... A true love letter to geology, on this world and others * Nature *A must-read for fans of our Martian neighbour and humanity's longstanding search for life elsewhere in the Universe * BBC Sky At Night *Mars is an exceptionally inhospitable place. The coldest Antarctic winter, the windiest Everest December - each is as nothing compared with an unremarkable day on the red planet. That is precisely why Mars is such a good place to look for life. If it exists there, Sarah Stewart Johnson writes, "the smallest breath in the deepest night", then the only conclusion is there must be life throughout the universe. This beguiling book is about the search for life on Mars - from those who thought the planet was criss-crossed with canals to those, like the author, who just hope for a microbe or two. * Times (best books of the year) *Brilliantly realised... Full of joy and existential curiosity, the book's images and metaphors take up residence in our minds and burn there, connecting scientific inquiry with deep questions about human existence. In every line Johnson makes us feel the passion for discovery and the desire to connect * The Whiting Award Selection Committee *
£10.44
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Life
Book SynopsisHazel Richardson is an author and editor of science books with a background in science research. She's the author of 16 books, including Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals, Life in the Ancient Indus River Valley, and Life in Ancient Japan.
£9.99
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Stars and Planets
Book SynopsisThe clearest, most accessible guide to observing the night sky.Introducing the Handbook of Stars and Planets - the perfect beginner''s guide to the night sky!With a highly visual introduction that explains the basic concepts of astronomy and gives advice on the best methods and equipment for observation, including binoculars and telescopes, exploring the cosmos and more has never been easier or more accessible. Each of the planets in the Solar System is described and illustrated in detail, with images taken from space probes as well as from the ground, showing them as you can expect to see them.More than 160 star charts were made especially for this book by the Royal Greenwich Observatory. There is a separate detailed chart for each of the 88 constellations, adding up to a complete atlas of the sky. The text for each constellation reveals its history and mythology and lists notable stars, galaxies, nebulae, and other objects. Alongside the constella
£999.99
The Natural History Museum Weather A Force of Nature
Book SynopsisA collection of powerful and dramatic images of weather phenomena from around the world. Each image is taken from the acclaimed annual competition held by The Royal Meteorological Society.
£21.25
Transworld Publishers Ltd Our Planet
Book Synopsis''The future of all life on this earth depends on our willingness to take action now'' David AttenboroughThe official companion to the ground-breaking Netflix original series.With a foreword by Sir David Attenborough, breathtakingly beautiful still photography, specially commissioned maps and graphics, and compelling text expanding on the remarkable TV stories and giving the reader a depth of information that is impossible on screen, this companion book presents a whole new view of the place we call home.Featuring some of the world''s rarest creatures and previously unseen parts of the Earth from deep oceans to remote forests to ice caps, Our Planet takes nature-lovers deep into the science of our natural world.Revealing the most amazing sights on Earth in unprecedented ways, alongside stories of the ways humans are affecting the world''s ecosystems, from the wildebeest migrations in Africa to thTrade ReviewAstonishing book...full of beautiful photographs * Radio Times *Featuring some of the world's rarest creatures and previously unseen parts of the Earth - Our Planet travels deep into the science of our natural world. Revealing the most amazing sights, alongside stories of the way humans are affecting the world's ecosystems - this book is part of a vital global conversation about protecting and preserving the planet. * Compass Magazine *A treat on your coffee table and a fine companion to any binge watch of the series * Wanderlust *Breathtaking photographs * Radio Times *Revealing the most amazing sights on Earth, alongside stories of the way humans are affecting the world's ecosystems, this book places itself at the forefront of a global conversation as we work together to protect and preserve the planet. * Catholic Times *
£21.25
Running Press,U.S. This Is a Book for People Who Love Mushrooms
Book SynopsisA celebratory compendium of nature's weirdest and most wonderful fungi, with gorgeously illustrated profiles of notable mushrooms and information on foraging, understanding, and appreciating these magnificent living thingsFor amateur mycologists and experienced foragers alike, this delightful guide acts as a welcome to the wonderful world of mushrooms. From the most common and recognizable varieties frequently found in your supermarket aisle or backyard to the rarest, most fantastical offerings that look straight out of a fairytale illustration and everything in between, This Is a Book for People Who Love Mushrooms is a carefully researched, whimsically illustrated primer on a subject that naturalists are discovering more about each year. Accessible to enthusiasts of all levels, it is the perfect gift for the mushroom lover in your life.
£12.34
Workman Publishing Japanese Maples
Book SynopsisAmong the first titles published in 1978, with more than 150,000 copies in print in three editions, Japanese Maples is a Timber Press classic. Japanese maples are unlike any other tree. They boast a remarkable diversity of color, form, and texture. As a result of hundreds of years of careful breeding, they take the center stage in any garden they are found. In the last decade, the number of Japanese maple cultivars available to gardeners has doubled and there is a pressing need for an up-to-date reference. This new fourth edition offers detailed descriptions of over 150 new introductions, updates to plant nomenclature, and new insights into established favorites. Gardeners will relish the practical advice that puts successful cultivation within everyone''s grasp. Accurate identification is made simple with over 600 easy-to-follow descriptions and 500 color photographs.
£40.50
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Planting for Pollinators
Book SynopsisPlanting for Pollinators is an easy-to-use gardening guide to help you encourage different types of insect pollinators into your garden.Insect pollinators not only bring joy to our gardens, they also provide an essential service for our planet. Without bees, flies, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and beetles, some of our favourite foods, flowers and plants would cease to exist. Whether you have a large garden, an urban balcony or just a window box, planting to encourage pollinators is a fantastic and surprisingly easy first step in creating a wildlife-friendly space. Planting for Pollinators features a wide range of plants, with guidance on the best ways to nurture lawns and verges, pollinator predation and tips on watching and photographing wildlife. Beautifully illustrated throughout with images from award-winning wildlife photographer Heather Angel, this essential guide will show you how plants communicate with insects, and why it''s so importaTrade ReviewI love this book, it's packed with gorgeous photos and practical advice, featuring my favourite plants and my favourite pollinators. * Kate Bradbury, author of Wildlife Gardening *I can fully recommend this book for its wealth of information and for highlighting the importance of pollinators for our planet’s survival. -- Val Bourne * The Garden *[A] beautiful and informative book that focuses on the fascinating relationship between plants and insects. * The English Garden *The author’s photos and illustrations of flowers and insects make this book a delight to peruse for ideas. -- Margaret Heller * Library Journal *If you want to create an abundant habitat for pollinators – and who doesn't – you will be inspired by this gorgeous new book... filled with stunning photos, the book provides insights and inspiration for transforming your garden, balcony or even a modest window box into a buzzing paradise for pollinators. * Writers Voice *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Parts of a flower What is pollination? Types of pollination Why pollinators and flowers need each other How flowers communicate with pollinators Rewards and pseudo-rewards Looking at lawns The decline of pollinators Pollinator predation Redressing the balance Choosing Plants for Pollinators - Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter Watching pollinators Daytime forays Native versus alien flowers Pollen load colours Nocturnal sorties Photo tips Into the future Glossary Further reading and resources Acknowledgements Index
£15.29
Fox Chapel Publishers International Know Your Clouds
Book SynopsisCan you read the skies? Clouds produce an ever-changing skyscape and a vital clue to predicting whether it’s going to rain or shine. This handy little cloud-spotting guide explains: • How to identify each type of cloud • The processes are at work to produce them • The significance they have for our weather • Optical phenomena produced by certain clouds Learn the lost countryside art of cloud reading and understand the most essential of nature’s clues and signs.
£6.99
Unicorn Publishing Group Birds of the Hedgerow, Field and Woodland
Book SynopsisVolume III in our In Arcadia Series is a beautiful bird book - elegant descriptions of our best-loved birds alongside simple, yet stunning woodcuts.
£11.69
Wooden Books Native British Trees
Book SynopsisThe ancient trees of the British Isles form a distinct and fascinating group. In this little book their form and character are carefully described by Welsh border woodsman Andy Thompson. With rare early engravings of seeds and branches, leaf shapes, typical tree outlines and common timber uses, printed on the highest quality recycled papers, this is an unusual, useful and beautiful book. WOODEN BOOKS are small but packed with information. "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.
£8.18
Octopus Publishing Group The Wit and Wisdom of David Attenborough: A
Book SynopsisA fascinating and entertaining collection of facts, quotes and stories, celebrating Sir David Attenborough's wicked sense of humour and astute wisdom.David Attenborough is a national treasure, known for his soothing voice, calming presence, passion for the natural world, and his humble, easy-going nature. Despite his incredible talent and influence, he tends to play it all down, one time stating that, 'I can't believe I'm still employed'.So if he won't celebrate himself, we'll have to do it for him.Filled with facts, tributes and anecdotes, as well as beautiful illustrations, this enormously positive book celebrates Sir David, providing a fascinating insight into his life as well as showcasing his brilliant sense of humour. Running chronologically, this book begins with his early days, to his first job at the BBC, to eventually becoming the most esteemed naturalist on the planet, as he is today.Such revelations include:- There are 18 plants and animals named after him- When asked by a reporter how many degrees he had, he said it would be 'rude to count'*- The single thing that would improve his quality of life is 'good, workable knees'.Blending his quips galore with his powerful messages on the environment and future of the planet, this timely book showcases everything we love about Sir David, making it the perfect gift for any fan.* He has over thirty!
£13.49
Orion Publishing Co Bug Bingo
Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated bingo game features 64 species of bugs from around the world. Identify all kinds of insects – from the giant hawker dragonfly to the kissing bug and the orchid bee to the sacred scarab – mark them off on your card and bingo! Bug Bingo brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game as players learn the names and colourings of both favourite species like the honey bee and more exotic bugs like the vampire moth. Contains one masterboard, 64 superbly illustrated bug tokens, 12 bingo cards and brightly coloured counters for you to mark up your card, as well as a leaflet containing basic information and a few quirky traits for all of the bugs featured.Trade Review**Spring 2014 "Scholastic Instructor Magazine" Teacher's Pick** **Spring 2014 Scholastic Instructor Magazine Teacher's Pick**
£24.64
Batsford Ltd A Year of Birdsong: 52 Stories of Songbirds
Book Synopsis‘Whether you are new to wanting to understand birdsong, or are already a fully fledged birdwatcher, this book casts a spell. A truly lovely reading experience’ - Love Reading This is a book full of fascinating stories about birdsong for every week of the year, with QR codes to bring each song to life. Leading bird expert and writer, Dominic Couzens, takes you on a journey to enjoy an authentic year of birdsong around the world, one for every week of the year. From the ancient song of the Rifleman that was likely the first sound made by a songbird to the Eurasian Skylark who evokes the zenith of summer, from the constant companion of the American Robin whose song resonates from the top of skyscrapers and complements the howling of a wolfpack in Alaska to the drumming rhythm of the Great Spotted Woodpecker. This book covers a myriad of topics including bird nature and behaviour, stories and literary masterpieces inspired by birdsongs, the musicality of the notes, and what different songs communicate. Each of these fascinating stories are accompanied by illustrations by award-winning artist Madeleine Floyd and a QR code to let you listen to the birdsong while you read. A natural wonder that has captivated and fascinated generations, birdsong is the soundtrack to life. This book offers the perfect tonic whether you are an avid birdwatcher or just want to understand the songs that are often the first thing we hear in the morning and the last thing we hear at night.Trade ReviewGorgeous illustrations' Evergreen ‘Delightful illustrations’ Country Life ‘Whether you are new to wanting to understand birdsong, or are already a fully fledged birdwatcher, this book casts a spell. A truly lovely reading experience’ Love Reading ‘Charming… I love the illustrations’ Miranda Mills YouTube
£17.00
Templar Publishing Arboretum
Book SynopsisThis next instalment in the bestselling Welcome to the Museum collection in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, is about the incredible life of trees.Trees are some of nature's most majestic and beguiling life forms. Arboretum is a beautifully illustrated celebration of trees from around the world, and sheds light on the vital role they play in every part of human life. From trees associated with ancient mythology, to the rarest and most unusual specimens, wander the arboretum and meet mighty oaks and towering redwoods. Learn just how ancient trees like the ginko and monkey puzzler are, and trace the complexities of the wood wide web.This latest addition to the Welcome to the Museum series will appeal to any budding botanist or tree lover.Trade ReviewA spectacular book. -- Nicolette Jones
£21.25
Headline Publishing Group Tree-spotting: A Simple Guide to Britain's Trees
Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated guide to the marvellous and varied world of trees, and a fascinating introduction to the hidden secrets of 52 British species. Botanist and ecologist Ros Bennett has spent a lifetime helping people understand and identify plants and always hoped her daughter Nell would grow up to share her love of the natural world.During Nell's childhood years they spent much time exploring the local woods together. Here, Nell discovered the visual and tactile beauty of trees.In Tree-spotting, Ros and Nell have combined their backgrounds and talents to show you – through Ros's extensive experience and Nell's exquisite illustrations – how to identify 52 British trees simply and confidently.A beautiful and captivating insight into the wonderful world of trees, Tree-spotting burrows down into the history and hidden secrets of each species. It explores how our relationship with trees can be very personal, and will bring you closer to the natural world around you.
£11.24
Elliott & Thompson Limited Goshawk Summer: The Diary of an Extraordinary
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING 2022 James Aldred’s prize-winning lockdown diary of his summer in the New Forest, featuring a stunning new linocut cover by illustrator Nick Hayes. ’A beautiful inspirational tale set in an extraordinary time.’ Ray Mears ‘Wonderful … they don’t come much more expert than James Aldred’ Lauren Laverne What happens to nature when we are no longer there? In early 2020, wildlife cameraman James Aldred was commissioned to film the lives of a family of goshawks in the New Forest. Then lockdown. No more cars, no more aeroplanes, no one in the woods – except James – in a place empty of people but filled with birdsong and new life. In these silver nights and golden days, there were tumbling fox cubs, calling curlew and, of course, the soaring goshawks – shining like fire through one of our darkest times. A goshawk summer unlike any other; an extraordinary season in the forest. ‘Magical and transporting… a beautiful and deeply evocative hymn to love, hope and connection.’ HELEN MACDONALD, author of H is for Hawk ‘[An] entrancing, acutely observed, beautifully paced diary of the secretive raptor’s breeding season… Fascinating.’ BBC WildlifeTrade Review’A beautiful inspirational tale set in an extraordinary time.’ Ray Mears ‘Wonderful … they don’t come much more expert than James Aldred’ Lauren Laverne ‘Magical and transporting… a beautiful and deeply evocative hymn to love, hope and connection.’ Helen MacDonald, author of H is for Hawk ‘[An] entrancing, acutely observed, beautifully paced diary of the secretive raptor’s breeding season… Fascinating.’ BBC Wildlife ‘I was struck throughout by the power and visceral beauty of Aldred’s prose. He writes almost like a poet, placing such emphasis on using precise and beautiful vocabulary’ NB Magazine ‘A wonderful insight into natural history filmmaking.’ The Bay Magazine ‘Really gets into the heart of the area … not just an enjoyable book to read, but one to learn from’ Bird Watching ‘Enchanting … the goshawks are the book’s central characters but there is much else besides not least the foxes and curlews captured by Aldred’s lens.’ Country & Town House ‘Highly readable and informative … In Goshawk Summer, Aldred succeeds in bringing his childhood home to life … This book has opened my eyes to [the New Forest’s] scale and richness.’ The Pilgrim ‘An extraordinary book … Aldred’s observations from nest-building to egg laying, hatching, chick feeding and fledging are spellbinding and educational.’ Wild Things
£9.89
Elliott & Thompson Limited The Secret Life of Fungi: Discoveries from a
Book SynopsisFungi are not like us - they are entirely, magically, something else. Welcome to the astonishing secret world of fungi. Aliya Whiteley has always been in love with fungi - from a childhood taking blurry photographs of strange fungal eruptions on Exmoor to a career as a writer inspired by their surreal and alien beauty. This love for fungi is a love for life, from single-cell spores to the largest living organism on the planet; a story stretching from Aliya's lawn into orbit and back again via every continent. Despite their familiar presence, there's still much to learn about the eruption, growth and decay of their interconnected world. From fields, feasts and fairy rings to death caps, puffballs and ambrosia beetles, this is an intoxicating personal journey into the life of extraordinary organism, one that we have barely begun to understand.
£9.49
Granta Books Move Like Water: A Story of the Sea and Its
Book SynopsisA heartfelt hymn to the sea and an unforgettable introduction to one of the most gifted nature writers of the new generation The seas cover over two thirds of our planet and yet most of us live our lives on land, creatures of a different element, at once fascinated and terrified by the beauty and power of these great bodies of water. There are some, though, who go to sea, who get to know its many moods -- the tranquil and mirror-like, the raging and ripple-swept -- and who bring back with them their stories of wonder and warning. Hannah Stowe is one such sea-goer and one such storyteller. Drawing on her expertise as a marine biologist and sailor, and her experiences in the North Sea, the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean, Move Like Water is an exploration of the human relationship with the sea, the powerful impression it has made on our culture, and the terrible damage we have inflicted upon its ecosystems. In shimmering, fluid prose, Stowe introduces us to five keystone marine creatures - the sperm whale, the humpback whale, the orca, the albatross and the firecrow - encouraging us to fall in love with the seas as she has, to appreciate their majesty and their vulnerability.Trade ReviewElegant, enthralling... There are plenty of books about the sea, but few, if any, have the lyrical, almost visceral intensity of this one... Stowe's shimmering prose - and her exquisite line drawings - make us feel the majesty of the sea and its creatures. It also reveals their terrifying vulnerability * Daily Mail *Above all a sensuous book, more felt than described, more described than explained, more painted than penned: part memoir, part journal and - with each chapter named for a creature the author encountered either in real life or in dreams - part natural mystery tour * New York Times Book Review *A haunting evocation of [the sea's] power and beauty, and an exploration of its wildlife... [Stowe's] prose is beautiful, conjuring the storybook setting of her upbringing, the salt spray of the sea and the wonder of travelling alongside whales and sea birds while also imparting scientific knowledge * Western Mail *A briny love story... Stowe wistfully explores the mysteries of water as she navigates the sometimes turbulent, often rousing flow of her life * Booklist *Stirring... Fascinating... Unforgettable... Stowe immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the ocean in her spellbinding debut -- Starred review * Publishers Weekly *Exquisite in its intelligence and boundless in the fetch of its wave -- Jay GriffithsThe shelves are awash with sea books. But Stowe is different. She doesn't just watch and describe the sea; she's part of it. It surges inside her and crashes out onto the page. The book's drenched with salt water. It fizzes, clicks, booms and screams. Tremendous -- Charles Foster, author of Cry of the Wild and A Little Brown SeaInspiring... Hannah Stowe recounts her lifelong love affair with the sea and illuminates the complexities of our relationship with ocean ecosystems... An urgent call to address the damage we're doing to the oceans, and a siren song to the beauty and power of the sea -- Lulah Ellender, author of GroundingLet Hannah's captivating prose transport you on a journey across the waves, feeling the wind and salt on your skin, and always watching out for the tantalising glimpse of a whale. You will be enthralled by her personal story, invigorated by her energy and determination, and persuaded to think deeply about the ocean, its living treasures and the human troubles they face -- Dr Helen Scales, author of The Brilliant Abyss and Scientists in the Wild: GalápagosThis is [Stowe's] personal, poetic and heartfelt story, sharing the lessons the sea has taught her * BBC Wildlife magazine *A gem of a book - a must-read for anyone interested in the sea or marine life, and highly recommended for those who enjoy top-notch memoirs. Stowe's exquisite prose makes this a book to be savored * Bookbrowse *This is Stowe's love letter to the sea -- Best Nonfiction Book of September * Book Riot *Beautifully evocative, Stowe's memoir captures the emotional and physical pull of open waters in a visceral and compelling way. A book that can be read on many levels- memoir, a natural history guide, a call to care-with it's strength in the intersection of all. If you love oceans, women explorers and artists, or just a book to challenge your mind and soul, this one is for you * Southern Bookseller *Not only do readers get to spend time sailing the North Sea, North Atlantic, Mediterranean, Celtic Sea, and the Caribbean in this memoir, but they are led by the rhythmic prose of a deeply invested and poetic marine biologist. Great for people who love marine animals too! -- Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2023 * Independent Book Review *
£15.29
Workman Publishing Darwin and the Art of Botany: Observations on the
Book SynopsisCharles Darwin is best known for his work on the evolution of animals, but in fact a large part of his contribution to the natural sciences is focused on plants. His observations are crucial to our modern understanding of everything from the amazing pollination process of orchids to the way that vines climb. Darwin and the Art of Botany collects writings from six often overlooked texts devoted entirely to plants, and pairs each excerpt with beautiful botanical art from the library at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, creating a gorgeously illustrated volume that never existed in Darwin's own lifetime, and hasn't since. Evolutionary botanist and science historian James Costa brings his expertise to each entry, situating Darwin's words in the context of the knowledge and research of the time. The result is a new way of visualizing Darwin's work, and a greater understanding of the ways he's shaped our world.
£22.50
John Murray Press An Atlas of Endangered Species
Book Synopsis'A call to arms for everyone' Steve Backshall'Eye-opening' New ScientistThe diversity of life on earth is astounding, with each species perfectly adapted to its environment. Sharks can navigate the ocean using electromagnetic fields; sloths use algae as camouflage; albatross can fly for hours without beating their wings; and orca pods each have unique cultures and languages. But every hour, three species disappear. Our incredible world is at risk.Megan McCubbin reveals the stories of the scientists, rangers and conservationists who are fighting to save these extraordinary creatures from extinction. An Atlas of Endangered Species shows us that the battle is on for their survival - and we all have a part to play.'Joyful and heartbreaking, an inspiring celebration of some of our planet's most endangered species and those who champion them' - Dave Goulson, author of Silent Earth'A powerful, passionate plea for a wilder future' - Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me NotTrade ReviewNot only is Atlas of Endangered Species a fascinating, immersive exploration of iconic and overlooked species, but most importantly it's a powerful, passionate plea for a wilder future alongside nature. Her rigorous research and friendly tone carves a clear, hopeful path towards a more harmonious relationship with the nature world. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book! -- Sophie Pavelle, author of Forget Me NotBy turns joyful and heartbreaking, an inspiring celebration of some of our planet's most endangered species and those who champion them -- Dave Goulson, author of Silent EarthBeautifully written, capturing the wonder and personality of each creature, big and small perfectly. Megan's words make you befriend and root each of the animals she describes and gives you hope for a better future -- Dr Amir KhanAn inspiring journey... From the early naturalist to the experienced adult, this book will fascinate and inspire -- Benedict Macdonald, award-winning author of Rebirding'An antidote to any eco-anxiety , here are the people and the creatures who are fixing planet earth' -- Chris PackhamThis is a lovely book, well written and beautifully illustrated. With a third mass extinction on our doorstep, it's also very timely, and I'm delighted to see that it's been written by one of the foremost of the generation of new, young naturalists that are helping to change our perception and appreciation of the natural world. More power to their elbows! -- Iolo WilliamsPacked full of wonderful pictures and deep insights into the lives of the beautiful plants and creatures the planet is in grave danger of losing - don't miss this book! -- Dale Vince, OBE, UN Ambassador for Climate Change and Founder of EcotricityA truly inspiring and timely piece, one which should be imperative reading and on everyone's shelves -- Hannah StitfallMegan's enthusiasm is catching . . . An Atlas of Endangered Species weaves a narrative of hope and champions nature's underdogs, and instils a deep love for nature and people alike * Lucy Lapwing *An elegant blend of science, exploration, insight and optimism. Much like her presenting style, Megan McCubbin's writing has an effortless appeal to a diverse audience, from the curious child to the most seasoned of conservationists. An Atlas of Endangered Species is a masterpiece of scientific communication -- Dr Ruth Tingay, Co-Director, Wild Justice
£17.00
Hodder & Stoughton Where the Wildflowers Grow: Longlisted for the
Book Synopsis**Longlisted for the Wainwright Prize****Shortlisted for the Richard Jeffries Award**'A meditative, descriptive, easy-to-read book that's perfect for plant lovers.' - Irish Examiner'A delightful, soothing book, packed with enlightening information about the natural world and the threats it faces.' - Mail on Sunday'This bicycle Odyssey of Britain and Ireland's wild flora is joyous, inspirational and beautifully observed.' - Peter Marren, author of After They've Gone'The Wildflowers of Britain have a new champion.' - Lee Schofield, author of Wild Fell'A heart-warming, fascination-inducing read from start to finish.' - Lucy Lapwing'An extraordinary book... captivating in its joy for the natural world.' - Isabel Hardman'When was the last time you stopped and noticed a wild plant?'An intriguing and timely exploration of the importance of Britain and Ireland's plant life.Leif Bersweden has always been fascinated by wild plants. From a young age, his afternoons were spent hunting for and cataloguing the plants in his local area. But it is a landscape that is fast disappearing.Climate change, habitat destruction and declining pollinator populations mean that the future for plant life looks bleaker than ever before. Many of us are also unable to identify, or even notice, the plants that grow around us.Now a botanist, Leif decides to go on a mission, to explore the plants that Britain and Ireland have to offer and to meet those who spend time searching for them. Over the course of a year, Leif goes on a journey around the UK and Ireland, highlighting the unique plants that grow there, their history and the threats that face them. His journey takes him from the Cornish coast to the pine forests of Scotland - even to the streets of London, proving that nature can be found in the most unexpected places. Along the way, Leif highlights the joy and positivity that can be found through understanding nature and why it is so desperately important to protect our wildflowers.
£11.69
Orion Publishing Co Featherhood
Book Synopsis''The best piece of nature writing since H is for Hawk, and the most powerful work of biography I have read in years'' Neil Gaiman''Wonderful - I can''t recommend it too highly'' Helen Macdonald''One of those rare, enchanted books'' Isabella Tree''Beautiful - it made me cry'' Simon Amstell''I was entranced'' Cathy RentzenbrinkThis is a story about birds and fathers.About the young magpie that fell from its nest in a Bermondsey junkyard into Charlie Gilmour''s life - and swiftly changed it. Demanding worms around the clock, riffling through his wallet, sharing his baths and roosting in his hair... About the jackdaw kept at a Cornish stately home by Heathcote Williams, anarchist, poet, magician, stealer of Christmas, and Charlie''s biological father who vanished from his life in the dead of night. It is a story about repetition across generations and birds that run in the blooTrade ReviewFeatherhood is one of the best books I've ever read. I urge you to seek it out, buy it, and be enchanted. It's incredibly moving and I loved every single page * Elton John *The best piece of nature writing since H is for Hawk, and the most powerful work of biography I have read in years. It announces Charlie Gilmour as a major new writing talent * Neil Gaiman *Wonderful - I can't recommend it too highly * Helen Macdonald, author of H IS FOR HAWK *Beautiful, wise, compassionate and powerful, Featherhood is one of those rare, enchanted books that sings to the soul of what it is to be * Isabella Tree, author of WILDING *What a book! I was entranced. A personal reckoning which is simultaneously brutal and joyous. It's full of light. I want to tell everyone about it * Cathy Rentzenbrink, author of THE LAST ACT OF LOVE *This stunning memoir flashes with as many colours as its enchanting subject, and draws us into a world of eccentric characters impossible to predict or forget. Savage, mischievous, moving, sublime * Rhik Samadder, author of I NEVER SAID I LOVED YOU *FEATHERHOOD, it would be tempting to say, is where Helen Macdonald's H Is For Hawk meets Gerald Durrell's My Family And Other Animals. But Charlie Gilmour's memoir is so original and ingeniously wrought, it stands on its own as a book to which others will surely be compared... Gilmour's language is as precise as his gaze is forensic. He is something of a magician himself, conjuring whole vivid personalities with a few deft strokes of his pen... He can slay you with his succinct summoning of a small boy's struggles... and he can dazzle you with the gem-like images of nature he creates which, like all writers who draw you into their orbit, thrum with life... Remarkable.' -- Ginny Dougary * DAILY MAIL, Book of the Week *It is wise, self-aware, never forced, often funny, beautifully crafted, and, in the end, as moving as Kes, that other great work about a boy who is given the gift of liberation by a bird. -- Craig Brown * MAIL ON SUNDAY *A soaring debut... A sincere and searing tale of loss, addictive despair, the redemptive power of love, the natural world and a shit-dropping, feather-moulting talking magpie... This will undoubtedly be held up alongside H Is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald's memoir that saw her tame her grief and a bird of prey in her living room. But Featherhood is an equal, if not better, work of magpie investigation that ranks among the best modern coming-of-age memoirs. -- Helen Davies * SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE *A profound exploration of grief, fragmented families, nature versus nurture and whether we are doomed to repeat the sins of our fathers. But it is also a gladdening celebration of what it is to nurture and bring forth new life. -- Caroline Sanderson * SUNDAY EXPRESS S MAGAZINE *A beautiful book, sensitive and compelling - it made me cry * Simon Amstell *I loved Featherhood. About nature and growth, about belonging and not belonging, it is beautiful * Andrew O’Hagan, author of THE ILLUMINATIONS *Utterly absorbing, astonishingly well-written, full of heart, Featherhood is the most arresting book I've read for a very long time * Cressida Connolly, author of AFTER THE PARTY *The extraordinary story of an extraordinary family * Sophie Heawood, author of THE HANGOVER GAMES *Featherhood is an incisive, funny and at times traumatic study of the damage done by destructive father-son relationships and the struggle to smash generational cycles. -- David Marsland * EVENING STANDARD *A wonderful, moving book. His account of raising a young magpie offers a lovely insight into this fascinating bird * James Macdonald Lockhart, author of RAPTOR *[An] affecting and beautifully written memoir. * THE BOOKSELLER, Editor's Choice *A good time in a weird way - I have never read anything so filthy * Nell Zink, author of THE WALL CREEPER *Emotional, touching and often odd, Gilmour's memoir about two key relationships - one with his late father and the other with a magpie - lingers long after the final page. -- Sarah Hughes * I NEWSPAPER *I'm having a lovely time with Featherhood by Charlie Gilmour. He is such a tender writer, the book is a magical encounter with birds and fathers. * Andrew O'Hagan in GUARDIAN *Touching and true, with flashes of black humour, it's a fascinating story. It's also a brilliant examination of nature vs nurture. Gilmour is certainly a born writer. -- Cressida Connelly * THE SPECTATOR, Books of the Year *Written with economy, insight, and rare beauty - a perfect nature memoir for our times -- Andrew Lycett * THE SPECTATOR *A tender coming-of-age memoir. It's an intelligent debut that shows that Gilmour, for all his celebrity family connections, is undoubtedly a remarkable writer in his own right. -- Lucy Knight * THE SUNDAY TIMES, Memoir of the Year *Featherhood is an incisive, funny and at times traumatic study of the damage done by destructive father-son relationships. * THE OLDIE *Gilmour's unforgettable memoir is both a beautiful piece of nature writing about caring for a magpie and a brutally honest account of his difficult relationship with his late father, the poet Heathcote Williams. -- Sarah Hughes * I NEWSPAPER, Best Books of 2020 *A delicately choreographed story of salvation through a bird, with echoes of Barry Hines's classic A Kestrel For A Knave. -- Craig Brown * MAIL ON SUNDAY, Best Books of the Year *Bird and author explore this explosive terrain in an exhilarating dance of transformation, from wild to tame, captivity to freedom and darkness to light. -- Ariane Bankes * THE TABLET, Best Books of the Year *Gilmour... is fearless in sharing himself with readers. As he works through his relationships, the emotional freight is not always subtle, but this comes from a generosity and openness on his part, which, ultimately, is what makes "Featherhood" so lovely and inviting. Gilmour practices no magic here; he distracts the reader with no glitzy baubles. He gives us a man and a bird and tells us, best he can, what they've come to know about the world as it is. He is willing to spill a little blood. -- C J Hauser * THE NEW YORK TIMES *Redemptive, beautifully written and often very funny, this is a moving study of the power of human (and magpie) love to repair even the most wounded heart. -- Jane Shilling * DAILY MAIL *
£8.09
HarperCollins Publishers Windswept Life Nature and Deep Time in the
Book SynopsisWindswept is a wonderful work, prose painted in bold, bright strokes like a Scottish Colourist's canvas' ROBERT MACFARLANE An instant classic of British nature-writing' SUNDAY TELEGRAPHTrade Review Praise for Windswept ‘Windswept isn’t only enjoyable and enriching, it contains some of the most striking descriptions of nature I’ve ever read . . . An instant classic of British nature-writing’ HORATIO CLARE, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH ***** ‘Let’s face it, few of us are likely to experience life as Worsley does: remote, wild, elemental, between mountains andsky. But we get a tantalising glimpse of this other world through these pages. It’s like breathing in pure, invigorating Scottish Highlands air and it is a very welcome interlude… Worsley is the Real Deal’DAILY MAIL ‘Windswept is a wonderful work, prose-painted in bold, bright strokes like a Scottish Colourist's canvas. It is a story of learning to keep time differently, in one of the most spectacular landscapes in Britain. Annie Worsley has written a gorgeous almanac or year-book in which the minutes, hours and months are marked not by the tick of clock-hands but weather-fronts, bird migrations and plant-patterns of growth and decay’ Robert Macfarlane ‘Woven with the wisdom of both scientist and poet, Windswept is a beautiful account of life and landscape in one of the UK's most remote and dramatic enclaves. I was transported with every reading, left with gale-ruffled hair and a salty tang on my tongue’ Lee Schofield author of Wild Fell ‘A shaft of golden stormlight, a blast of pure Highland air, Windswept is an exhilarating account of life lived closer to the elements than most of us will ever have the chance to experience’ Melissa Harrison, author of All Among the Barley ‘A compelling, abundantly descriptive portrait of a captivating place’ The Herald ‘Her nature writing is so fluent and captivating that you can lose yourself in it, find yourself feeling the breeze and smelling the warm vegetation of a Wester Ross summer’ West Highland Free Press
£15.29
Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd The Secret Language of Flowers
Book SynopsisThis beautifully-illustrated gift book reveals the hidden meanings of over 50 popular flowers. Did you know that the type of flowers you give can speak volumes? The Secret Language of Flowers is a fascinating insight into the Victorian tradition of using flowers to convey secret messages in a society where feelings often had to be suppressed. Samantha Gray reveals how over 50 blooms acquired their meanings in folklore and how they became the language of courtship, love, friendship, beauty and more – discover how lily of the valley symbolises the return of happiness, how bluebells stand for constancy and everlasting love, and how daffodils represent high regard and chivalry. With stunning illustrations by artist Sarah Perkins that capture all of the beauty of flowers, this is an exceptionally lovely and fascinating gift book.
£9.49
Vintage Publishing Crow Country
Book SynopsisOne night Mark Cocker followed the roiling, deafening flock of rooks and jackdaws which regularly passed over his Norfolk home on their way to roost in the Yare valley. From the moment he watched the multitudes blossom as a mysterious dark flower above the night woods, these gloriously commonplace birds were unsheathed entirely from their ordinariness. They became for Cocker a fixation and a way of life.Cocker goes in search of them, journeying from the cavernous, deadened heartland of South England to the hills of Dumfriesshire, experiencing spectacular failures alongside magical successes and epiphanies. Step by step he uncovers the complexities of the birds'' inner lives, the unforeseen richness hidden in the raucous crow song he calls ''our landscape made audible''.Crow Country is a prose poem in a long tradition of English pastoral writing. It is also a reminder that ''Crow Country'' is not ''ours'': it is a landscape which we cohabit with thousands of otTrade ReviewLuminously beautiful and dartingly intelligent, Cocker's obsessive quest after the ancient trails of rooks across our dusk skies leads to an almost sacred space: a place where the landscape of the imagination and the lovingly, minutely observed realities of the natural world come to roost together -- Richard MabeyGuaranteed to ensure that you never look at a crow in quite the same way again * Guardian *Fabulous... Like all classic works of natural history, is is an extraordinary revelation of riches and wonders and that lie at our doorsteps, completely ignored * Independent *A splendid book...Crow Country's narrative of rookish discovery unfolds with splendid variety, incorporating scientific exposition, biography, environmental history, poetry, memoir and biography... Your heart beats faster as he describes a pack of tight-packed wigeon flushing in fear from an icy creak. You feel the shock of recognition as a barn owl meets his gaze. It's infectiously emotional. At it's most lyrical Crow Country matches the heights of that deeply eerie work of avian obsession JA Baker's The Peregrine; yet at its most scientific, it could sit alongside the best ornithological monographs... Crow Country is a significant, beautiful work * New Statesman *Exquisitely written, passionate exploration of the local and commonplace * BBC Wildlife *
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd The Map That Changed the World
Book SynopsisTHE EXTRAORDINARY TALE OF THE FATHER OF MODERN GEOLOGYHidden behind velvet curtains above a stairway in a house in London''s Piccadilly is an enormous and beautiful hand-coloured map - the first geological map of anywhere in the world. Its maker was a farmer''s son named William Smith. Born in 1769 his life was troubled: he was imprisoned for debt, turned out of his home, his work was plagiarised, his wife went insane and the scientific establishment shunned him. It was not until 1829, when a Yorkshire aristocrat recognised his genius, that he was returned to London in triumph: The Map That Changed the World is his story.''For a geologist, this is a must read'' Amazon Reviewer''It serves to lift a genius from academic semi-obscurity and to award him the acknowledgement he undoubtedly deserves'' Amazon Reviewer''Never realised how seminal this map was'' Amazon Reviewer
£11.69
Penguin Books Ltd Following Atticus
Book SynopsisFollowing Atticus is Tom Ryan''s moving true story, of a man and his remarkable dog.Tom Ryan is a middle-aged, overweight, no-nonsense newspaper editor. But when Atticus M. Finch, a Miniature Schnauzer, arrives, he is forced to question everything about his life. Wanting to raise money in memory of a friend who died of cancer, Tom decides that they will both climb 48 of New Hampshire''s mountains during a single winter - twice.What awaits the pair is the adventure of a lifetime. In an enchanting but dangerous winter wonderland, they face raging blizzards, frostbite and storms. It is a rare test of endurance that soon becomes a soul-searching journey. And then, within a month of returning home, tragedy strikes. Atticus goes blind, and the blood tests suggest something even worse. Now facing an even greater challenge, Tom and Atticus undertake a journey through darkness and into light. For anyone that loved Marley and Me, Following Atticus by Tom Ryan is a heartwarming story of friendship, selflessness, redemption -- and above all, love.Tom Ryan worked as an editor until 2007, when he decided to sell his newspaper move to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He started climbing in memory of a friend who died of cancer, and in the last five years has climbed an incredible four hundred and fifty 4,000-foot peaks.
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd The Apple Orchard
Book SynopsisPete Brown is simultaneously allergic to and obsessed by apples. He has written several books on food and drink, including Man Walks into a Pub, Three Sheets to the Wind, and Hops and Glory. His discriminating palate has led him to be a judge in the Great Taste Awards and the Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards, and a frequent contributor to Radio 4's Food Programme.Trade ReviewWonderful, revelatory ... very moving -- Sheila Dillon, BBC Radio 4An absorbing love letter to the English apple tree...lyrical and joyful * The Times Literary Supplement *His ability to laugh at himself, openness to wonder and willingness to go wherever the search takes him make Brown an engaging writer and The Apple Orchard an entertaining journey * Mail on Sunday *A delightful book * Sunday Times *
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd The Grassling
Book Synopsis''Deliciously tactile and meditative . . . to read this is to luxuriate in the land, and to connect to it and oneself'' Bernardine Evaristo What fills my lungs is wider than breath could be. It is a place and a language torn, matted and melded; flowered and chiming with bones. That breath is that place and until I get there I will not really be breathing.Spurred on by her father''s declining health and inspired by the history he once wrote of his small Devon village, Elizabeth-Jane Burnett delves through layers of memory, language and natural history to tell a powerful story of how the land shapes us and speaks to us. The Grassling is a book about roots: what it means to belong when the soil beneath our feet is constantly shifting, when the people and places that nurtured us are slipping away.Trade ReviewBurnett manages the delicate feat of maintaining our sense of reverence for the nebulous Anglo-Saxon romanticism..., but twins it with astute scientific nous which never strays into the esoteric. She does this with such joy that we cannot help but want to join in... a heartening read. * The Quietus *With a blend of poetry, memoir and a uniquely experimental, sensory style of nature writing, The Grassling celebrates the lusciousness of both land and language ... Ideas that might in a lesser writer have seemed whimsical are grounded by the rich layers of Burnett's prose. -- Clare Saxby * TLS *A poetic, lyrical tribute to the earth beneath our feet . . . Burnett is one of the freshest voices in the current crop of nature writers -- Ben Hoare * Countryfile *This astonishingly beautiful ode to the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside . . . [evokes] a richly immersive sense of the natural world and our place within it. * Country Living *
£10.44