Robert Macfarlane Books

The Lost Words stands against the disappearance of wild childhood. It is a joyful celebration of nature words and the natural world they invoke. With acrostic spell-poems by award-winning writer Robert Macfarlane and hand- painted illustration by Jackie Morris, this enchanting book captures the irreplaceable magic of language and nature for all ages.

Dazzlingly beautiful and wonderfully inventive, this magical new book from the creators of a bestselling literary phenomenon introduces a fresh set of natural spell-poems and artwork by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. Similar in spirit to their previous work, this pocket-sized treasure presents "spells" inspired by underappreciated animals, birds, trees, and flowers—ranging from Barn Owl to Red Fox, Grey Seal to Silver Birch. Departing from the triptych format of their earlier work, it explores new shapes, spaces, and voices to conjure the essence of nature. Crafted to be read aloud, the text is infused with brushstrokes that resonate with the forest, field, and riverbank, while also appealing to the heart. The work aims to revive what is often overlooked, inspiring protection and action for the natural world. Above all, it celebrates wonder, showcasing nature's ability to amaze, console, and bring joy. Praise for the creators’ previous work highlights its beauty and the magic of language, emphasizing the astonishing artistry that invites readers to immerse themselves in its pages.

Exploring the concept of originality in the nineteenth century, this study delves into how Victorian culture perceived and utilized plagiarism. It highlights its significance not just as a moral issue but as a source of inspiration for notable authors like Eliot, Dickens, Pater, and Wilde. The book presents a nuanced understanding of how these writers engaged with the idea of originality, revealing the complex interplay between creativity and the influence of earlier works in their literary endeavors.

"'Holloway' is a hollow way, a sunken path. A route that centuries of foot-fall, hoof-hit, wheel-roll and rain-run have harrowed deep down into bedrock. In July 2005, Robert Macfarlane and Roger Deakin - author of Wildwood - traveled to explore the holloways of South Dorset's sandstone. They found their way into a landscape of shadows, spectres & great strangeness. Six years later, after Roger Deakin's early death, Robert Macfarlane returned to the holloway with the artist Stanley Donwood and writer Dan Richards. The book is about those journeys and that landscape." -- Amazon.com

Exploring the transformative idea that rivers are living beings deserving recognition, the book delves into the 'Rights of Nature' movement. Macfarlane embarks on three significant journeys: to Ecuador's threatened cloud-forest rivers, India's struggling waterways, and the defense of Quebec's Mutehekau river. Interwoven with personal reflections on a local chalk stream, this work blends the personal with the political, urging readers to rethink their relationship with nature. It challenges perspectives and emphasizes our interconnected fate with rivers.

From Robert Macfarlane, the acclaimed author of The Old Ways and Underland—a celebration of the language of landscape and the power of words to shape our sense of place For years now, the British writer Robert Macfarlane has been collecting place-words: terms for aspects of landscape, nature, and weather, drawn from dozens of languages and dialects of the British Isles. In this, his fifth book, Macfarlane brilliantly explores the linguistic and literary terrain of the British archipelago, from the Shetlands to Cornwall and from Cumbria to Suffolk, offering themed glossaries of hundreds of these rare, deeply local, poetical terms, organized by such geographical terrains as flatlands, uplands, waterlands, coastlands, woodlands, and underlands. Interspersed with this archive of place words are biographical essays in which Macfarlane writes of his favorite authors who have paid close attention to the natural world and who embody in their own work the huge richness of place language—from Barry Lopez and John Muir to Nan Shepard, J. A. Baker, and Roger Deakin. Landmarks is a book about the power of language and how it can become a way to know and love landscape, from a writer acclaimed for his own precision of utterance and distinctive, lyrical voice.

Are there any genuinely wild places left in Britain and Ireland? That is the question that Macfarlane poses to himself as he embarks on a series of breathtaking journeys through some of the archipelago's most remarkable landscapes. Illustrated.

Presents an exploration of the Earth's underworlds as they exist in myth, literature, memory, and geography, offering unsettling perspectives into whether or not humans are making the correct choices for Earth's future.

National Bestseller - New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year - NPR Favorite Books of 2019 - Guardian 100 Best Books of the 21st Century - Winner of the National Outdoor Book Award Mesmerizing...Underland is a portal of light in dark times. --Terry Tempest Williams, New York Times Book Review

Robert Macfarlane travels Britain's ancient paths and discovers the secrets of our beautiful, underappreciated landscape. Following the tracks, holloways, drove-roads and sea paths that form part of a vast ancient network of routes criss-crossing the British Isles and beyond, Robert Macfarlane discovers a lost world - a landscape of the feet and the mind, of pilgrimage and ritual, of stories and ghosts; above all of the places and journeys which inspire and inhabit our imaginations.

The name John Muir has come to stand for the protection of wild land and wilderness in both America and Britain. Born in Dunbar in 1838, Muir is famed as a pioneer of conservation, and his passion, discipline and vision are still inspirational today. Combining acute observation with a sense of inner discovery, Muir's description of the summer he spent in what would become Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains raises an awareness of nature to a spiritual dimension. His journal provides a unique weaving of natural history, lyrical prose and amusing anecdote, retaining a freshness, intensity and honesty which will amaze the modern reader.

'The most exhilarating history of mountaineering ... a riveting read' Jeremy Paxman

From the acclaimed author of The Old Ways and Landmarks -- an essay on the beauty and joy of reading, for anyone who has ever loved a book Every book is a kind of gift to its reader, and the act of giving books is charged with a special emotional resonance. It is a meeting of three minds (the giver, the author, the recipient), an exchange of intellectual and psychological currency, that leaves both participants the richer. Here Robert Macfarlane recounts the story of a book he was given as a young man, and how he managed eventually to return the favour, though never repay the debt. From one of the most lyrical writers of our time comes a perfectly formed gem, a lyrical celebration of the power and preciousness of the given book.

"Somewhere on a salt-and-shingle island, inside a ruined concrete structure known as The Green Chapel, a figure called The Armourer is leading a black mass with terrible intent. But something is coming to stop him. Five more-than-human forms are traversing land, sea and time towards The Green Chapel, moving towards the point where they will converge and become Ness. Ness has lichen skin and willow-bones. Ness is made of tidal drift, green moss and deep time. Ness has hagstones for eyes and speaks only in birds. And Ness has come to take this island back. What happens when land comes to life? What would it take for land to need to come to life? Using word and image, Robert Macfarlane and Stanley Donwood have together made a minor modern myth. Part-novella, part-prose-poem, part-mystery play, in Ness their skills combine to dazzling, troubling effect."-- Provided by publisher

In Holloway, a perfect miniature prose-poem (William Dalrymple), Macfarlane, artist Stanley Donwood, and writer Dan Richards travel to Dorset, near the south coast of England, to explore a famed hollowed way--a path used by walkers and riders for so many centuries that it has become worn far down into the soft golden bedrock of the region. In Ness, a triumphant libretto of mythic modernism for our poisoned age (Max Porter), Macfarlane and Donwood create a modern myth about Orford Ness, the ten-mile-long shingle spit that lies off the coast of East Anglia, which the British government used for decades to conduct secret weapons tests.

A comprehensive guide to the dyeing and printing of textiles, including descriptions of the chemical properties of various animal and mineral substances commonly used in these industries.

Dr. Papin, a French inventor, along with Captain Savery and the Marquis of Worcester, proposed using steam power to propel vessels via paddles. However, the details of their inventions remain unclear and unsatisfactory. In 1726, Dr. John Allen published a work in London suggesting a method to propel a vessel using a horizontal pipe open at the stern, where air or water would be forced to create forward motion through reaction. He tested this idea on a canal boat and claimed that if steam were employed, it could achieve a speed of three miles per hour. This book serves as a reproduction of significant historical works, utilizing advanced technology to digitally reconstruct original formats while addressing imperfections present in aged copies. Forgotten Books is dedicated to preserving the integrity of these works, ensuring that even rare flaws are retained to maintain historical authenticity.

Combining enchanting prose with stunning illustrations, this book continues the collaboration between Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, known for their acclaimed work, The Lost Words. It invites readers into a world where nature's magic is celebrated through lyrical language and beautiful artwork, aiming to reconnect people with the natural environment. The themes of loss and regeneration resonate throughout, making it a poignant exploration of the relationship between language and the natural world.

The book showcases the enchanting artwork of Jackie Morris, celebrated for its wildness, beauty, and power. One of her remarkable paintings, The Kingfisher, has been adapted into a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, allowing fans to engage with the art in a new and interactive way. This unique transformation adds a tactile element to the visual experience, inviting both art lovers and puzzle enthusiasts to appreciate the intricate details of Morris's work.

As a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, this book preserves the original's historical significance while acknowledging potential imperfections like marks and notations. It emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and aims to provide an accessible, high-quality edition that remains true to the original text, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding literary heritage.

Focusing on the techniques of dyeing and calico-printing, this treatise offers insights into the latest inventions and improvements from the 1860s. It serves as a comprehensive guide, preserving historical methods while highlighting advancements in the field. The unchanged reprint maintains the original quality, making it a valuable resource for those interested in textile arts and the evolution of dyeing practices.

Culturally significant, this work is a reproduction of an original artifact, preserving its authenticity and historical context. It includes original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its journey through important libraries worldwide. This dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original text provides readers with a glimpse into the knowledge base of civilization.

From the bestselling, prize-winning authors of beloved cult phenomena The Lost Words and The Lost Spells 'Breathtaking and magical. Jackie Morris has created something that you could spend all day looking at' New Statesman 'Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris have made a thing of astonishing beauty' Observer Discover and share the wonders of the wild world as seen in The Lost Words and The Lost Spells... This collection of 100 postcards features artwork and words from two beloved modern classics, in which Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane celebrate the creatures, trees and plants of nearby nature, from Acorn to Wren, by way of Curlew and Kingfisher, Silver Birch and Snow Hare, Goldfinch and Gorse. The front of each card bears one of Morris's Greenaway Medal-winning paintings; on the reverse, you will find an accompanying quotation from one of the spell-poems in the Lost books, as well as an identification of the species shown on the card. The remaining space is left blank for you to fill in these wild cards with pen, pencil or paint - and then send them out into the world to make and renew connections.

Inspired by Robert Macfarlane and curated by Jennie Orchard, this anthology features essays celebrating the joy of giving books to children and young people, written by some of the world's most beloved authors. Reflecting on the books that shaped their childhoods and ignited their passion for reading, these writers share transformative experiences that guided them toward becoming readers and writers themselves. Following the success of its first edition, this heartwarming collection underscores the enduring power of literature. The authors explore the stories that influenced them, offering a compelling guide to nurturing a love of reading in the younger generation. Contributions come from notable figures such as Tristan Bancks, William Boyd, Shankari Chandran, and many others, culminating in an afterword by Julia Eccleshare. All royalties from this collection are generously donated to Room to Read and U-Go, organizations founded by John Wood that promote literacy and education for girls and young women.

A masterpiece of nature writing, now in a Canons edition.

»Sein Ton als Erzähler umfasst das Poetische ebenso wie das Zupackende, und zum Weihevollen kommt der Humor hinzu.« FAZ Als John Lewis-Stempel mit seiner Familie nach Herefordshire am äußersten Rand Englands zieht, ist er überwältigt von der Vielfalt der Flora und Fauna. Er beschließt ein Experiment zu wagen, das ihn verändern wird. Kann er es schaffen, ein Jahr lang nur von dem zu leben, was ihm die Speisekammer der Natur bietet, und nur noch zu essen, was er auf den Wiesen, in den Hecken und Bächen seines sechzehn Hektar großen Anwesens Trelandon fischt, sammelt oder jagt? Der preisgekrönte Autor erzählt spannend und poetisch von den Herausforderungen und Entbehrungen, die Kälte und Schnee mit sich bringen, aber auch vom Glück, sich ohne jede Zutat aus dem Supermarkt zu ernähren. Er berichtet von seinem widerwilligen Jagdhund Edith und den neuen Rezepten, die er kreiert. Am Ende hat sich sein Bewusstsein für die Natur und für seinen Körper ebenso grundlegend gewandelt wie sein Verhältnis zu unserem achtlosen Umgang mit Nahrungsmitteln.

Robert Macfarlane folgt den alten Wegen – jenen Pfaden, Hohlstraßen, Fuhrten, Feld- und Seewegen, die seit der Antike die menschlichen Siedlungsräume miteinander verbinden und noch immer als unsichtbare Wegweiser unsere Bewegungen bestimmen. Seine Reise führt den wichtigsten Naturschriftsteller Großbritanniens von den englischen Kreidefelsen zu den einsamen Vogelinseln Schottlands, von den Kulturlandschaften Spaniens zu den Pilgerrouten Palästinas und bis in den Himalaya. Sie lässt ihn in fünftausend Jahre alte Fußstapfen treten und in einem kleinen Segelboot auf den nächtlichen Atlantik hinaustreiben. Er lauscht den Geschichten, die diese alten Wege noch immer erzählen, und den Stimmen derjenigen, die er auf seinen Fußmärschen begegnet: andere Wanderer, Spaziergänger und Sinnsucher, sogar tibetanische Mönche. Diese alten Pfade, begreift er bald, sind mehr als Möglichkeiten, einen Raum zu durchmessen. Nach ihrer jahrhundertelanger Begehung sind sie vielmehr auch Knotenpunkte unseres Denkens, Netzwerke unseres Wissens und ein geographisches Gewebe unserer Gefühle geworden.

Wo gibt es heute noch Wildnis? Robert Macfarlanes Suche nach den letzten unberührten Flecken Natur wird zum lebendigen Streifzug. Er entdeckt abgelegene Inseln und verborgene Gebirge, durchwandert unwegsame Moore und undurchdringliche Wälder. Er schwimmt in brandender See und in stehenden Gewässern, erklimmt windumtoste Gipfel, schläft in Sandkuhlen. Und er begibt sich auf die Spuren derjenigen, die diese Orte vor ihm aufsuchten: Pilger und Philosophen, Forscher und Literaten. Eine sprachmächtige Einladung zum Staunen.

Ob Naturwissenschaftler oder Abenteurer, ob Philosophen oder Poeten, sie alle versprachen sich in den eisigen, sauerstoffarmen Höhen unvergleichliche Erfahrungen und Erkenntnisse, für die es sein Leben zu riskieren lohnt: der Sog von Macht und Angst, das Gefühl von Erhabenheit und das Erleben fragiler Schönheit. In seinem preisgekrönten Debüt, das ihn schlagartig bekannt machte, folgt Robert Macfarlane den Vorstellungswelten der bisweilen fatalen Faszination, die Auftürmungen von Granit-, Basalt- und Kalksteinschichten bis heute in Menschen auslösen, sodass sie nichts anderes mehr als Berge im Kopf haben.

Žijeme na nepokojnej zemi. A tak nás prirodzene zaujíma, aký bude svet po nás? Aké tvory ho budú obývať A kam sa pohnú zdanlivo nehybné horstvá? Odpoveď nehľadajme v budúcnosti, ale práve naopak – v tom, čo tu bolo dávno pred nami. Je to kniha o neviditeľnom. O tom, čo je ľudskému zraku skryté. Jaskynné systémy hĺbené milióny rokov trpezlivou vodou, bezrozmerné banské štôlne, podzemné laboratóriá, ktoré sa snažia zachytiť kozmický vánok, lesný internet komunikujúcich stromov, obrovské podzemné mesto pod chodníkmi Paríža. Robert Macfarlane sa vo svojej výnimočnej knihe Podzemie venuje tomu, čo by sme mohli nazvať paleontológia prítomnosti. Pozerá okolo seba a snaží sa predstaviť, čo po nás nájde akýsi budúci výskumník a ako bude interpretovať naše konanie. Podzemie je hlboká cesta strojom času do našej budúcnosti, pri ktorej nám Robert Macfarlane kladie zdanlivo jednoduchú otázku: Sme dobrými predkami? Jeho cesty podzemím sa prelínajú stretnutiami s vedcami aj intenzívnymi pozorovaniami prírody. Vzniká z toho pozoruhodný žáner, v ktorom sa prirodzene prelína a dopĺňa reportáž s poéziou. „Už vyše pätnásť rokov píšem o vzťahoch medzi krajinou a ľudským srdcom,“ povedal o sebe Robert Macfarlane, ktorého oslavujú ako najvýraznejšieho súčasného autora píšuceho o prírode.