Gavin Francis Books

Exploring the allure of the North, Gavin Francis embarks on a journey to meet the inhabitants of Europe's northern reaches. His quest spans from ancient Greek explorers and Vikings to contemporary polar adventurers, delving into the historical and legendary narratives that illuminate humanity's fascination with this remote region. Through rich storytelling, he uncovers the motivations behind our enduring attraction to the frozen landscapes and vast skies of the North.

The book was originally published in Great Britain in 2012 by Chatto & Windus, indicating its established presence in the literary market. This detail highlights its potential significance and reception within the publishing landscape.

Shortlisted for a prestigious award, this book captivates readers with its compelling narrative and rich character development. It explores themes of resilience, identity, and the human experience, drawing readers into a world that is both relatable and thought-provoking. The author’s unique storytelling style and vivid prose create an immersive experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking depth and emotional resonance in their reading.

The mysteries of human transformation brought lyrically to life by the bestselling author of Adventures in Human Being.

A short, uplifting account of hope and healing by the author of Adventures in Human Being.

On the pandemic's forgotten front lines, a doctor cares for his community - from care homes to homeless shelters, islands to the inner city.

From birth to death, a lyrical exploration of the role of transformation in human life To be alive is to be in perpetual metamorphosis: growing, healing, learning, aging. In Shapeshifters, physician and writer Gavin Francis considers the inevitable changes all of our bodies undergo--such as birth, puberty, and death, but also laughter, sleeping, and healing-and those that only some of our bodies will: like getting a tattoo, experiencing psychosis, suffering anorexia, being pregnant, or undergoing a gender transition. In Francis's hands, each event becomes an opportunity to explore the meaning of identity and the natures-biological, psychological, and philosophical-of our selves. True to its own subject, Shapeshifters combines Francis's lyrical imagination and deep knowledge of medicine and the humanities for a life-altering read.

The beauty of the remote Arctic Europe landscape has been the focus of human exploration for thousands of years. Blending travel writing, history and mythology, the author offers a portrait of the northern fringes of Europe. His journey begins in the Shetland Isles, takes him to the Faroes, Iceland, Greenland, Svalbard and on to Lapland.

Sunday Times bestsellerWe have a lifetime's association with our bodies, but for many of us they remain uncharted territory. In Adventures in Human Being, Gavin Francis leads the reader on a journey through health and illness, offering insights on everything from the ribbed surface of the brain to the secret workings of the heart and the womb; from the pulse of life at the wrist to the unique engineering of the foot. Drawing on his own experiences as a doctor and GP, he blends first-hand case studies with reflections on the way the body has been imagined and portrayed over the millennia. If the body is a foreign country, then to practise medicine is to explore new territory: Francis leads the reader on an adventure through what it means to be human. Both a user's guide to the body and a celebration of its elegance, this book will transform the way you think about being alive, whether in sickness or in health.Published in association with the Wellcome Collection.

An exploration of isolation and connectedness based on thirty years of travel, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Adventures in Human Being and Empire Antarctica.