Description

‘From the author of our former Non-Fiction Book of the Month Fifty Words for Snow comes a luminous collection of fascinating seasonal tales that explore everything from Tove Jansson’s childhood to polar bird myths.’ Waterstones

A treasure trove of nature tales from storytellers across the globe, bringing a little magic and wonder to every winter night.

As the evenings draw in – a time of reckoning, rest and restoration – immerse yourself in this new seasonal anthology. Nature Tales for Winter Nights puts winter – rural, wild and urban – under the microscope and reveals its wonder.

From the late days of autumn, through deepest cold, and towards the bright hope of spring, here is a collection of familiar names and dazzling new discoveries.

Join the naturalist Linnaeus travelling on horseback in Lapland, witness frost fairs on the Thames and witch-hazel harvesting in Connecticut, experience Alpine adventure, polar bird myths and courtship in the snow in classical Japan and ancient Rome. Observations from Beth Chatto’s garden and Tove Jansson’s childhood join company with artists’ private letters, lines from Anne Frank’s diary and fireside stories told by indigenous voices.

A hibernation companion, this book will transport you across time and country this winter.

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Praise for Fifty Words for Snow, a Waterstones Book of the Month:

‘Absolutely exquisite. This little book is a work of art.’ Horatio Clare, author of The Light in the Dark

‘This stunning book made me want to pack all my woolies, candles, ample firewood and enough books for a year – and head to as northerly a location as I could find.’ Kerri ni Dochartaigh, Caught by the River

‘A delightful compendium’ The Herald

‘Winter has its own special magic, and this collection from around the world makes you want to pull on your boots and get out there.’

Saga

Publisher Review

‘From the author of our former Non-Fiction Book of the Month Fifty Words for Snow comes a luminous collection of fascinating seasonal tales that explore everything from Tove Jansson’s childhood to polar bird myths.’ Waterstones

‘As we travel into the coldest season and approach the shortest day of the year, this book is a perfect companion to help you while away the long wintry nights’ The Countryman

‘Winter has its own special magic, and this collection from around the world makes you want to pull on your boots and get out there.’ Saga

‘Rich, multi-layered and deeply meaningful. … This anthology isn’t twee or cutesy – it is profound, surprising and moving. It will transport you to another place and time and bring a new, nuanced understanding of our coldest season.’ Resurgence & Ecologist