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Nightwalking

Four Journeys into Britain After Dark

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

At night, the normal rules of Nature do not apply. In the night-wood I have met a badger coming the other way, tipped my cap, said hello. The animals do not expect us humans to be abroad in the dark, which is their time, when the world still belongs to them.

That was in winter. The screaming of a tawny owl echoed off the bare trees. For all of our street-lamp civilization, you can still hear the call of the wild. If, if, you go out after the decline of the day...

As the human world settles down each evening, nocturnal animals prepare to take back the countryside. Taking readers on four walks through the four seasons, acclaimed nature writer and farmer John Lewis-Stempel reveals a world bursting with life and normally hidden from view. Out beyond the cities, it is still possible to see the night sky full of stars, or witness a moonbow, an arch of white light in the heavens.

It is time for us to leave our lairs and go tramping. To join our fellow creatures of the night.

© John Lewis-Stempel 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Animals Biological Sciences Botany & Plants Outdoors & Nature Science

Critic reviews

This is a small book, yet it conveys memorably the magnitude and majesty of its subject - a charming blend of nature diary, sound archive and scent library. It can even be seen as a kind of dictionary in which, like Byron's nightwandering Manfred, we can learn 'the language of another world'.
An enticing paean to the night...
Sheer poetry
A soothing stocking filler
Spellbinding
He describes the allure of an after dark stroll with typical poetic aplomb...evocative and encouraging
A beautiful little hardback book and wonderful stocking filler for the nature-lover in your life
A worthy addition to a delightful and uplifting series
All stars
Most relevant
Four all too brief guided walks in the dark countryside with heightened senses - one in each season.

Four Nocturnes

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John Lewis-Stempel is an author that I always look forward to hearing from each time he publishes a new work.
His intelligent exploration of his topic, apparently boundless knowledge of the countryside, and ability to weave the referenced work of others into his work is now like a warm duvet of comfort.
I always finish his work, having learned more and wanting yet more.
This audio version is expertly performed, providing the listener with a real connection to the work and the ability to escape into the countryside and on this occasion the countryside at night.

A brief superlative work, read with skill

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I really enjoyed this book. I am a night walker in my woodland near my house. and when I am not walking I really enjoyed listening to this. Definitely worth downloading 10/10

Absolutely brilliant.

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Learnt a lot do lots of night walking now.lots of things to see when you know where.

Heaven

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Exceedingly well read…put extra life into the poetical nature of this book…must dig out more

Takes you there

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