The Peregrine: 50th Anniversary Edition
Afterword by Robert Macfarlane
J A Baker author Mark Cocker editor John Fanshawe editor
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:6th Apr '17
Should be back in stock very soon
In The Peregrine: 50th Anniversary Edition, J. A. Baker explores the life of peregrine falcons in Essex, blending poetic prose with deep reflection on nature.
Originally published in 1967, The Peregrine: 50th Anniversary Edition is a remarkable work of British nature writing by J. A. Baker. The book received widespread acclaim upon its release, earning the prestigious Duff Cooper Prize and establishing itself as a cornerstone of twentieth-century nature literature. Esteemed writers such as Ted Hughes and Barry Lopez have praised it for its profound insights and lyrical prose, marking it as a significant contribution to the genre.
Set against the backdrop of the flat marshes of the Essex coast, the narrative unfolds as Baker immerses himself in the world of peregrine falcons during the harsh winter months. Through meticulous observation and poetic language, he captures the essence of these majestic birds as they navigate the desolate landscape, hunting the vast flocks of pigeons and waders that inhabit the area. The vivid descriptions transport readers into Baker's contemplative journey, where nature becomes a source of both solace and inspiration.
This special anniversary edition not only reintroduces Baker's timeless classic but also includes a thoughtful afterword by Robert Macfarlane, a contemporary admirer of Baker's work. Macfarlane reflects on the enduring impact of The Peregrine, celebrating its legacy and the continued relevance of its themes in today's world. The new edition serves as a tribute to Baker's profound connection with nature and the art of observation.
‘A masterpiece of natural history writing. I would recommend to anybody who loves the English language, let alone birds of prey’ Monty Don, Financial Times
‘Passionately fierce but also wonderfully tender’ Andrew Motion
‘…an inspiring example to future writers, and a gift to lovers of nature.’ The Times Literary Supplement
‘… a literary masterpiece, one of the 20th century’s outstanding examples of nature writing.’ Independent
‘The Peregrine should be known as one of the finest works on nature ever written' BBC Wildlife
‘… some of the most marvellous prose of the twentieth century.’ Literary Review
‘A tour de force … what can I do except praise writing which involves all the senses? This book goes altogether outside the bird-book into literature.’ The Sunday Times
‘A rapt and remarkable book … his phrases have a magnesium-flare intensity.’ Observer
‘… what is certain is that The Peregrine is the most precise and poetic account of a bird – possibly of any non-human creature – ever written in English prose.’ Daily Telegraph
‘J. A. Baker's poetic prose has a hard intensity and an exquisite lyric grace that takes it far beyond the stereotypical stuff of larks ascending and questing voles. Cruelly beautiful and brutally exact, it sees the countryside anew to give us nature in the wild and in the raw.’ The Scotsman
‘Including original diaries from which The Peregrine was written and its companion volume, The Hill of Summer, this is a beautiful compendium of lyrical nature writing at its absolute best […]. For those with an interest in the Peregrine Falcon or classic natural history writing. ‘ Guardian
ISBN: 9780008216214
Dimensions: 216mm x 135mm x 18mm
Weight: 250g
224 pages