The Secret Life of the Owl : a beautifully illustrated and lyrical celebration of this mythical creature from bestselling and prize-winning author John Lewis-Stempel
(Author) John Lewis-Stempel'Dusk is filling the valley. It is the time of the gloaming, the owl-light. Out in the wood, the resident tawny has started calling, Hoo-hoo-hoo-h-o-o-o.' There is something about owls. They feature in every major culture from the Stone Age onwards. They are creatures of the night, and thus of magic. They are the birds of ill-tidings, the avian messengers from the Other Side. But owls - with the sapient flatness of their faces, their big, round eyes, their paternal expressions - are also reassuringly familiar. We see them as wise, like Athena's owl, and loyal, like Hedwig. Human-like, in other words. No other species has so captivated us. In The Secret Life of the Owl, John Lewis-Stempel explores the legends and history of the owl. And in vivid, lyrical prose, he celebrates all the realities of this magnificent creature, whose natural powers are as fantastic as any myth.
John Lewis-Stempel
John Lewis-Stempel is a British author known for his works in the field of natural history and rural living. His writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep connection to the natural world. He has published over 40 books, including "Meadowland" and "The Running Hare," which have received critical acclaim for their vivid descriptions of the British countryside.
Lewis-Stempel's contributions to literature include his ability to transport readers to the beauty and wonder of the natural world through his immersive storytelling. His work has had a significant impact on the nature writing genre, inspiring readers to appreciate and protect the environment.
One of his most famous works is "The Wild Life," which won the Thwaites Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing in 2015. This book delves into the history and future of the British countryside, highlighting the importance of preserving its biodiversity and wildlife. Through his writing, John Lewis-Stempel has become a prominent voice in the field of nature writing, inspiring readers to reconnect with the natural world and protect it for future generations.