The Lost Spells cover art

The Lost Spells

An enchanting, beautiful book for lovers of the natural world

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The Lost Spells

By: Robert Macfarlane, Jackie Morris
Narrated by: Yrsa Daley-Ward, Johnny Flynn, Julie Fowlis, Robert Macfarlane
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

As the nights get darker and colder, curl up with voices of hope and renewal - feel the natural world come back to life around you . . .

The Lost Spells is an audio treasure, a new collection of 'spells' - acrostic poetry and artwork - by writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris. For those who loved The Lost Words - this is its little sister.

Captivatingly read, calling to forest, field, riverbank, ocean and also to the heart, these 'spells' summon back what is often lost from sight and care. From Jay to Jackdaw, Oak to Barn Owl, Silver Birch to Grey Seal, they evoke the special spirit of each plant and creature. Above all, they celebrate a sense of wonder at nature's power to amaze, console and bring joy.

Across a bewitching natural soundscape by renowned wildlife recordist Chris Watson, readers Yrsa Daley-Ward, Johnny Flynn and Julie Fowlis bring the magic of both nature and language to listeners in an immersive and unique audio experience.


Praise for The Lost Words:

'Gorgeous to look at and to read. Give it to a child to bring back the magic of language' Jeanette Winterson, Guardian

'Breathtaking, 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

© Robert Macfarlane, Jackie Morris 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Animals Animals & Nature Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths Literature & Fiction Nature Poetry Poetry & Nursery Rhymes Heartfelt

Critic reviews

The poems are beautiful, insightful and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny; and together with the vivid artwork, wild creatures are brought to life. A beautiful volume sure to be treasured by nature lovers of all ages.
The most beautiful and thought-provoking book I've read this year
Gorgeous to look at and to read. Give it to a child to bring back the magic and scope of language
A breathtaking book. Jackie Morris has created something that you could spend all day looking at... Accessible and magical
Gilded and glorious, one of the year's loveliest books for all ages over 10
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this book. Fascinating, meditative, and beautifully produced. Perfect for lovers of the natural world.

A treat for the mind and the senses.

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Short and sweet but wonderful word play - definitely worth coming back to to savour and digest

Short and sweet but wonderful word play

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Delightful. Thank you. Made good use of the audible format. Robert MacFarlane is always a good read.

Stop and listen.

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A truly lovely set of calming poems that take you straight back into nature.

beautiful

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The poems capture the essence of a handful of British birds and animals. it was only on being read the swift poem that I realised their absence from my life. Magical, funny and sometimes sad.

Beautiful poems beautifully read and presented

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