- Hardcover: 416 pages
- Publisher: Hamish Hamilton; First Edition edition (31 May 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0241141842
- ISBN-13: 978-0241141847
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
74,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #24 in Books > Science & Nature > Food & Farming > Forestry & Silviculture
Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees
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Product Description
Review
`A book that I have returned and referred to again and again since I first read it in the Summer'.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Product Description
From the walnut tree at his Suffolk home, Roger Deakin embarks upon a quest that takes him through Britain, across Europe, to Central Asia and Australia, in search of what lies behind man’s profound and enduring connection with wood and with trees. Meeting woodlanders of all kinds, he lives in shacks and cabins, builds hazel benders, and hunts bush-plums with aboriginal women.
At once autobiography, history, a traveller’s tale and a work of natural history, Wildwood is a lyrical and fiercely intimate evocation of the spirit of trees: in nature, in our souls, in our culture, and in our lives.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
198 of 200 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is one of those delightful books that you stumble on from time to time that is almost impossible to categorise.
Roger Deakin was a campaigner, writer and environmentalist; he was one of the founding members of Friends of the Earth. He was a true English eccentric. He lived in a house, in Suffolk with a moat - in which he swam regularly. A few years ago he wrote a book that centred on his desire to visit - and to swim in - most of the important bits of water in the UK (and many less important ones as well).
In this book Deakin turns his attention to wood - all things to do wtih wood, wood clearly being one of the passions of his life.
So, Deakin explores woods. He camps out in woods to be at one with the environment and the wildlife. He camps in woods in England and explores woods around the world. But he also turns his mind to other things to do with wood.
There are fantastic articles on driftwood for example, There are pieces on artists who work in wood. There are contemplations on the economic value of wood and how it may yet have a major role to play in creating a sustainable world economy.
Deakin's writing style is fluid, easy to follow and very entertaining. He is both eccentric and funny; a genuinely warm man.
Sadly, Deakin died just after this book was completed. I wonder to what extent this was conceived and put together as a very unique work of love. Still, Wildwood stands as a fine legacy to a superb writer.
I wish I could describe this book more fully but I simply wouldn't be able to do it justice. But if this sounds remotely interesting go and buy it. You won't be disappointed.
Roger Deakin was a campaigner, writer and environmentalist; he was one of the founding members of Friends of the Earth. He was a true English eccentric. He lived in a house, in Suffolk with a moat - in which he swam regularly. A few years ago he wrote a book that centred on his desire to visit - and to swim in - most of the important bits of water in the UK (and many less important ones as well).
In this book Deakin turns his attention to wood - all things to do wtih wood, wood clearly being one of the passions of his life.
So, Deakin explores woods. He camps out in woods to be at one with the environment and the wildlife. He camps in woods in England and explores woods around the world. But he also turns his mind to other things to do with wood.
There are fantastic articles on driftwood for example, There are pieces on artists who work in wood. There are contemplations on the economic value of wood and how it may yet have a major role to play in creating a sustainable world economy.
Deakin's writing style is fluid, easy to follow and very entertaining. He is both eccentric and funny; a genuinely warm man.
Sadly, Deakin died just after this book was completed. I wonder to what extent this was conceived and put together as a very unique work of love. Still, Wildwood stands as a fine legacy to a superb writer.
I wish I could describe this book more fully but I simply wouldn't be able to do it justice. But if this sounds remotely interesting go and buy it. You won't be disappointed.
31 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A lovely book. I came upon Wildwood as a novice, never having read anything by Deakin before - but he is good; he is very good. The book comes in four main blocks: Roots, about his home and youth; Sapwood, on British wood, woods and artists; Driftwood, on his travels in Europe, Australia and central Asia; and Heartwood, back to his home area of Suffolk. Each block comes in short chapters, full of information, insight, and excellent writing. He likes sleeping outside or in an old railway wagon, and links this to writings by Jefferies or Thoreau, recites the beams in his house, or starts talking about an ancient propeller hub in his study and diversifies that into walnut and all its applications, down to Jaguar gear knobs. I could have done without the Australian bits - they just don't resonate for me (hence four stars). But the Kazak and Kyrgyz chapters are wonderful, and more than make up for it. He is never dull - the writing is full of links to the familiar, observations on new insights, fascinating snippets. This is an inspiring book, by an inspired writer.
97 of 102 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have read 'Wildwood' in delighted instalments, each night before drifting off to sleep, mundanely abed, unlike the 'Boys'Own' adventurer that Roger Deakin obviously was. Never happier, it seems, than camping out in the depths of an ancient wood listening to the rookery above.
This is no dull natural history book but a series of blissful nuggets of information strung together on a thread of gleaming prose. Poetry, delightful humour, child-like glee and a profound erudition illuminate this work and make it a pure joy to read. I cannot recommend it highly enough & have bought copies for all my friends!
This is no dull natural history book but a series of blissful nuggets of information strung together on a thread of gleaming prose. Poetry, delightful humour, child-like glee and a profound erudition illuminate this work and make it a pure joy to read. I cannot recommend it highly enough & have bought copies for all my friends!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not best pleased
It would be lovely to write a review about this book I was looking forward to reading on my holiday but unfortunately I have not received it. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Mr Angry
Falling in Love with the Woods
This is a real gem of a book - worthy of its place in the top ten of anyone who loves nature. I finally got round to reading it properly this year, at a summer camp in the woods we... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Stewart T. Boyle
Wildwood.
This delightful book arrived promptly and in very good condition. I have almost finished reading it and have found it very interesting and entertaining. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mrs. H. P. Martin
Awful, just awful
when I got this book I expected a well written, informative and possibly even witty account of one mans love affair with trees and perhaps the wider natural environment. Read more
Published 12 months ago by magua
A heartening, inspiring read
I borrowed this book from the library and so enjoyed it that I wanted to read it slowly, savouring every page and chapter. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Notlow
Stress buster
I was attracted to Roger Deakin's books through Waterlog and the great book by Kate Rew, Wild Swim.
Wildwood is a delightful read, Roger paints fresh and vivid pictures... Read more
Wildwood is a delightful read, Roger paints fresh and vivid pictures... Read more
Published 14 months ago by A Woodhall
A tree themed ramble
Before reading take a good look at the picture of the author on the inside back cover. Roger Deakin was a tall, arresting and interested man. Read more
Published 15 months ago by timp
a walk in the woods
Roger Deakin helped set up Common Ground the campaign group for local distinctiveness, and this book has the same quirky charm. Read more
Published 18 months ago by tallmanbaby
Too much information, running through my brain
A reviewer on this site mentioned that she read Wildwood before drifting off to sleep. The same with me, except that reading this book made me literally drift off to sleep, which... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Denzil Walton
Breathtaking
Amazing, wonderful, moving, fascinating! I'm happier to have discovered Roger's world through this beautiful book than I am able to express.
DC
DC
Published 21 months ago by Dee Cee
Listmania!
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