Walking the Bones of Britain : A 3 Billion Year Journey from the Outer Hebrides to the Thames Estuary

Christopher Somerville's captivating blend of wit and wonder propels readers on a geological odyssey from the ancient Isle of Lewis to the southern reaches of England. His narrative weaves together the tapestry of Britain's rich geological past with vivid local colour and natural history, as noted by the Observer. Katharine Norbury hails it as a 'glorious' and meticulous exploration of what lies beneath our feet, while Tom Chesshyre deems it 'a remarkable achievement'. Country Walking praises Somerville's 'utterly enticing' prose.

The geological foundations of Britain have silently shaped every facet of our history, often in ways we scarcely recognise. Events occurring ten millennia, a million, or even a billion years ago continue to exert their influence on our daily lives.

In 'Walking the Bones of Britain', Somerville embarks on an epic thousand-mile trek. His journey begins amidst the primordial, three-billion-year-old rocks of the Isle of Lewis, forged when Earth was still a molten sphere, and concludes in the far reaches of Essex, where new land continues to form. Along the way, he traverses bogs, ascends peaks, and skirts quarries, unearthing the tales embedded in the rock strata beneath us. He examines how these geological formations have moulded everything from our agricultural practices to our architectural choices, from the Industrial Revolution to our current climate predicament.

Infused with Somerville's trademark humour and insight, this gripping exploration of Britain's landscape and its extraordinary history promises to transform the reader's perception of the world beyond their doorstep. As Nicholas Crane aptly puts it, 'Somerville is a walker's writer', making this geological journey accessible and engaging for all.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9781804991060
Book Author:	Christopher Somerville
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Penguin (Transworld)
Book Publisher:	Transworld Publishers Ltd
Book Dimensions:	196 x 127 x 30 cm
Book Publication Date:	2024-06-13
Book Pagination:	432 pages, walking maps, time line and photographs
Book Weight:	326g