Fen, Bog and Swamp : A Short History of Peatland Destruction and its Role in the Climate Crisis

Acclaimed by BBC Radio 4 as a Book of the Week, this compact masterpiece delves into a subject of paramount importance. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Proulx, renowned for her profound understanding of environmental issues, presents a compelling and urgent exploration of wetlands, their ecological significance, and the dire consequences of their destruction.

In this meticulously researched work, Proulx unveils the hidden world of fens, bogs, swamps, and marine estuaries—nature's most valuable and reliable resources. Through four enlightening sections, she chronicles the systematic obliteration of these ecosystems in the relentless pursuit of profit, and the subsequent release of their stored carbon.

With her characteristic flair for storytelling, Proulx takes readers on a global journey, from the fens of Tudor England to Canada's Hudson Bay Lowlands, from Russia's Great Vasyugan Mire to America's Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. She introduces us to the 19th-century explorers who initiated the devastating exploitation of the Amazon rainforest, weaving a rich tapestry of historical and ecological insight.

Born in the 1930s, Proulx witnessed firsthand the era's ruthless exploitation of natural resources in the name of progress. Her impassioned plea for wetland reclamation is not only a revelatory history but also a clarion call for environmental preservation. 'Fen, Bog & Swamp' showcases Proulx's unwavering commitment to observing and safeguarding our planet's fragile ecosystems.

Hailed as 'magnificent' by The Guardian and praised for its ability to 'open your eyes to humanity's reckless trashing of wetlands' by The Telegraph, this 'haunting tribute' offers a poetic and enlightening exploration of these oft-overlooked habitats. Proulx's masterful prose brings to life the beauty and importance of peatlands, making this book an essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780008534394
Book Author:	Annie Proulx
Book Format:	Hardback
Book Imprint:	Fourth Estate Ltd
Book Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Book Dimensions:	144 x 223 x 24 cm
Book Publication Date:	2022-09-29
Book Pagination:	208 pages
Book Weight:	318g