Is a River Alive?

Robert Macfarlane

£25.00

Summary

From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book - which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title.

At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings - who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.

The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining.

Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.

And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river - the Mutehekau or Magpie - is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.

At once Macfarlane's most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers - and always has.

Shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize for Conservation Writing 2025

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Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane 9780241624814

Product Information

Title: Is a River Alive?
Author: Robert Macfarlane
ISBN: 9780241624814
Format: Hardback
Imprint: Hamish Hamilton Ltd
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions: 243 x 160 x 35 mm
Publication Date: 01 May, 2025
Pagination: 384 pages
Weight: 592 g

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