Join us for an evening with highly acclaimed nature writer John Lewis-Stempel as he talks about his new book England: A Natural History.
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.
Don’t miss this chance to see and listen to one of Britain’s finest natural history writers. We look forward to welcoming John back to Oswestry!
Widely recognised as one of Britain’s finest natural history writers, John Lewis-Stempel is a farmer, journalist and writer whose works include The Wild Life, Meadowland, Where Poppies Grow, The Running Hare and The Secret Life of the Owl. He is a two-time winner of the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing.
A richly enjoyable treasure trove for any nature lover. Gilbert White for the 21st century. – Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller, Editor’s Choice
No-one comes close to Lewis-Stempel’s ability to paint the English landscape in words. Maddeningly brilliant. – Sally Coulthard, author of A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects
Lewis-Stempel is the most splendid company as he stomps and meanders through England. He’s congenial, lyrical, unsentimental and smart, with a rare eye both for the big picture and the tiny, telling detail. Marvellous! – Charles Foster, author of Cry of the Wild
The book I’ve been waiting for, by my favourite contemporary nature writer. John Lewis-Stempel is that rarest of breeds, a writer on nature who is fully immersed in the natural world. England is a treasure from start to finish. – Tristan Gooley
No other writer comes close to Stempel’s mixture of down-to-earth practical observation, playful lyricism, and sheer delight in the endless variety of our English countryside. – Christopher Somerville, author of Ships of Heaven and Walking the Bones of Britain
Tickets: £15 without book (Admits One, ticket redeemable against a signed copy of England) / £25 with book (Admits One, includes a signed copy of England)