The Gifts of Reading
(Author) Robert MacfarlaneWith contributions by: William Boyd, Candice Carty-Williams, Imtiaz Dharker, Roddy Doyle, Pico Iyer, Robert Macfarlane, Andy Miller, Jackie Morris, Jan Morris, Sisonke Msimang, Dina Nayeri, Chigozie Obioma, Michael Ondaatje, David Pilling, Max Porter, Philip Pullman, Alice Pung, Jancis Robinson, S.F.Said, Madeleine Thien, Salley Vickers, John Wood and Markus Zusak 'This story, like so many stories, begins with a gift. The gift, like so many gifts, was a book...'So begins the essay by Robert Macfarlane that inspired this collection. In this cornucopia of an anthology, you will find essays by some of the world's most beloved novelists, nonfiction writers, essayists and poets. 'You will see books taking flight in flocks, migrating around the world, landing in people's hearts and changing them for a day or a year or a lifetime. 'You will see books sparking wonder or anger; throwing open windows into other languages, other cultures, other minds; causing people to fall in love or to fight for what is right. 'And more than anything, over and over again, you will see books and words being given, received and read - and in turn prompting further generosity.' Published to coincide with the 20th anniversary of global literacy non-profit, Room to Read, The Gifts of Reading forms inspiring, unforgettable, irresistible proof of the power and necessity of books and reading. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane Curated by Jennie Orchard
Robert Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane is a British writer known for his work in the genre of nature writing and landscape literature. His writing often explores the relationships between nature, language, and culture, and he is known for his lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the natural world.
Macfarlane's most notable works include "Mountains of the Mind," "The Wild Places," and "The Old Ways." These books have been praised for their evocative descriptions of landscapes and their exploration of the human connection to the natural world.
Macfarlane's contributions to literature include his ability to inspire readers to see the world around them in new ways, to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and to reflect on the ways in which landscapes shape our identities and experiences. His work has had a significant impact on the genre of nature writing, and he is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in this field.
One of Macfarlane's most famous works is "The Old Ways," in which he explores the ancient paths and routes that crisscross the British landscape, reflecting on the ways in which these paths connect us to the past and shape our sense of place in the world.