English Pastoral : An Inheritance - The Sunday Times bestseller from the author of The Shepherd's Life

Lauded as THE SUNDAY TIMES NATURE BOOK OF THE YEAR, this captivating bestseller from James Rebanks, acclaimed author of The Shepherd's Life, weaves a poignant tale of rural transformation. Nigel Slater aptly describes it as 'A beautifully written story of a family, a home and a changing landscape'.

Rebanks recounts his boyhood, learning traditional farming methods from his grandfather on their Lake District farm. This ancestral land, once a vibrant tapestry of crops, meadows, and wildlife-rich hedgerows, had become a shadow of its former self by the time Rebanks inherited it. The countryside had been drained of its human touch, its stone barns left to crumble, and its skies eerily silent.

English Pastoral is a profound exploration of our shared inheritance. It chronicles the near-collapse of rural landscapes worldwide, lamenting the loss of age-old rhythms of work, weather, community, and nature. Yet, this elegy from the northern fells also resonates with hope. It narrates how one farmer, guided by the wisdom of the past, began to salvage his corner of England, striving to resurrect lost life and create a legacy for future generations.

At its heart, this book is a meditation on love and pride of place. It dares to envision a new pastoral - not a utopia, but a dignified future for us all, against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Alan Bennett hails it as 'A heartfelt book and one that dares to hope', while Helen Macdonald describes it as 'A wonder of a book, fierce, tender, and beautiful'. Its accolades include winning the Wainwright Prize and the Fortnum & Mason Food Book of the Year, with shortlistings for the Orwell Prize and Ondaatje Prize, and a longlisting for the Rathbones Folio Prize.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780141982571
Book Author:	James Rebanks
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Penguin Books Ltd
Book Publisher:	Penguin Books Ltd
Book Dimensions:	129 x 197 x 21 cm
Book Publication Date:	2021-02-09
Book Pagination:	304 pages
Book Weight:	226g