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Whistling in the Dark by Richard Mabey (Hardback)
£12.99
Available
Product Ref. (e.g. ISBN, SKU)
9781836005711
Published:
10 Apr 2025
Format:
Hardback
Number of pages:
128 pages
Dimensions:
198x128x14mm
Weight:
0.750kgs
Author:
A timeless exploration of the nightingale, blending cultural history, science, and the mysterious beauty of birdsong. This newly revised edition includes first-hand accounts of nightingale performances, insights into their declining population, and reveals untold stories like the human mimic behind a famous 1924 BBC broadcast.
'A book so delightful that I must share it' - Simon Jenkins, The Times
'Mabey is one of our best nature writers and he has produced a delightful book, as enlightening as it is uplifting' - John Preston, The Sunday Telegraph
'A pure pleasure to read' - Peter Levi, The Spectator
'Exquisite and illuminating' - Euan Dunn, The Countryman
From acclaimed nature writer Richard Mabey, Whistling in the Dark: In Pursuit of the Nightingale is a rich and thoughtful exploration of the natural and literary histories of the elusive nightingale.
For thousands of years, the nightingale has been the most celebrated songbird in history. From Ovid to Shakespeare, Shelley to Keats, its exquisite song has inspired poets and playwrights, symbolising the enduring power of nature and love. But why have humans always fallen under its spell?
Nightingales have acquired a newly high profile in recent years, driven by revelations about their population collapse and a renewed interest in their cultural history. Each May, radio programmes now broadcast live songs and readings from the woods of southern England.
This new, fully revised edition of Whistling in the Dark promises to be more memorable than ever, featuring:
Republished in 2025 by Aurum as a classic edition, this lyrical and illuminating work blends nature writing, folklore, and literary history to uncover the nightingale's timeless allure.
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Whistling in the Dark will be accompanied by an enhanced audiobook adaptation with sound inserts featuring the nightingale's song alongside medieval music inspired by the bird. It will also include the poignant BBC recording of a nightingale singing amid the roar of bombers during the Second World War, as well as Messiaen's evocative piano piece from Les Oiseaux.
About the Author: Richard Mabey is one of Britain's most eminent nature writers and the author of over thirty books including Flora Britannica, Weeds, Food for Free and The Unofficial Countryside. He writes regularly for the Times, the Guardian and BBC Wildlife. He is also a regular broadcaster on Radio 4.
| Number of pages | 128 |
|---|
We will despatch your order as quickly as we can. If, for whatever reason, a product is out of stock we will contact you to discuss the likely delivery time or an alternative product.
| First Item | 2 Items & Over | |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £3.75 | £5.00 |
| EU | £15.00 | £30.00 |
| USA & Canada | £30.00 | £50.00 |
| Rest of the World | £45.00 | £60.00 |
| Collect in Store | free | free |
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