Description

Book Synopsis

From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title.

At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.

The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining.

Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.

And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river the Mutehekau or Magpie is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.

At once Macfarlane's most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers and always has

Is A River Alive

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    A Hardback by Robert Macfarlane

    £21.25

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    RRP £25.00 – you save £3.75 (15%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 25 Aug 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
      Published 5 January 2025
      ISBN-13 9780241624814
      978-0241624814
      ISBN-10 0241624819
      Also in:
      Non Fiction Earth Sciences, Geography & Environment The environment

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title.

      At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.

      The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining.

      Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.

      And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river the Mutehekau or Magpie is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.

      At once Macfarlane's most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers and always has

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