Finding W.H. Hudson: The Writer Who Came to Britain to Save the Birds

by Conor Mark Jameson

An imposing, life-size oil painting dominates the main meeting room at the RSPB’s base in the heart of ‘the man above the fireplace’ – always present, rarely mentioned. Curious about the person in the portrait, the author began a quest to rediscover William Henry Hudson (1841–1922). It became a mission of stitching back together the faded tapestry of Hudson’s life, re-colouring it in places and adding new threads from the testaments of his closest friends. This book traces the unassuming field naturalist’s path through a dramatic and turbulent from Hudson’s journey to Britain from Argentina in 1874 to the unveiling by the prime minister of a monument and bird sanctuary in his honour 50 years later, in the heart of Hyde Park – a place where the young immigrant had, for a time, slept rough. At its core, this extraordinary story reveals Hudson’s deep influence on the creation of his beloved Bird Society by its founding women, and the rise of the conservation movement. It reveals the strange magnetism of this mysterious man from the Pampas – unschooled, battle-scarred and once penniless – that made his achievements possible, and left such a profound impression on those who knew him. By the end of his life, Hudson had Hollywood studios bidding for his work. He was a household name through his luminous and seminal nature writing, and the Bird Society had at last reached the climax of a 30-year campaign, working to create the first global alliance of bird protectionists. A century after Hudson’s death, this is a long-overdue tribute to perhaps our most significant – and most neglected – writer-naturalist and wildlife campaigner.

368 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Hannah Buschert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conor Mark Jameson's Finding W. H. Hudson: The Writer Who Came to Britain to Save the Birds is a well-researched insight into the life of a beloved writer and naturalist that helped change the world for birds, birders, and our natural environment.

Jameson pieces together details from found letters, writings, and other resources to tell the story of Hudson and his relationships throughout the UK environmental movement, writing groups, and many others. It tells the story of a passionate man who made the long trek from his natal Pampas in Argentina to the urban jungle in London, which is not his preferred habitat. Throughout his life in London and surrounding areas, he works to engage folks with nature and the birds around them by participating with the newly formed RSPB, writing for a number of publications including his own books, and through the relationships he forms with folks in a variety of disciplines and interests.

This book has great appeal to birders and history enthusiasts, as well as those who admire Hudson for his writings. I really enjoyed learning more about the RSPB's formation from a different perspective. Jameson's writing style draws you in and keeps you flipping each page as the story of Hudson's life unfolds and goes in so many different directions.

Thank you to Pelagic Publishing for providing a book and connecting me with Jameson for an episode of the Bird Nerd Book Club. And congratulations to Jameson for this enjoyable and informative read.

[Neal Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been fascinated with the works of Hudson and have many on my bookshelves including several supporting biographies. When Pelagic Publishing announced the forthcoming release it went straight to my wish list.

The book is a delight, extremely detailed research has brought a new dimension to Hudson, as a birder I have now recognised I have not fully realised his drive and commitment to creating and protecting habitats for UK birds.Whilst this book has an appeal to all those interested in birds it will also appeal to all those with a passion for all things connected with natural history.

I have enjoyed the writing style and the humour that occurs in the book. Massive thanks and congratulations to Conor Mark Jameson and Pelagic Publishing.