Snow. In Japan it is Yuki-onna -- 'a goddess'. In Icelandic, Hundslappadrifa -- 'flakes as big as a dog's paw'. In Hawai'ian, snow is hau - 'mother of pearl', but also 'love'. Every language and culture has its own words for the feathery, jewel-like flakes that fall from the sky. From Iceland to Greenland, mountain top to frozen forest, school yard to park, snow is welcomed, feared, played with and prized. In this lyrical, evocative and beautiful book, Arctic traveller and award-winning writer Nancy Campbell digs deep into the meanings, etymologies and histories of fifty words for snow from across the globe. Held under her magnifying glass, each of these linguistic snow crystals offers a whole world of myth, culture and story.
Nancy Campbell
Nancy Campbell is a British poet and writer known for her evocative and lyrical works that often explore themes of nature, place, and the environment. She is the author of several poetry collections, including "Disko Bay" and "How to Say 'I Love You' in Greenlandic." Campbell's writing is characterized by its vivid imagery, meticulous attention to detail, and deep emotional resonance.
Campbell's work has had a significant impact on the genre of contemporary poetry, with her unique blend of personal reflection and universal themes resonating with readers around the world. Her most famous work, "Disko Bay," has been praised for its haunting beauty and profound exploration of the natural world.
In addition to her poetry, Campbell is also an accomplished essayist and editor, with her writing appearing in a variety of publications. She has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in contemporary literature. Campbell's contributions to literature continue to inspire and captivate audiences, cementing her legacy as a talented and influential writer.