Nature Writing

by Richard Herley

Collected observations and essays on the English countryside and its flora and fauna from an award-winning novelist.

Genres: Nonfiction

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

I was born in England in 1950 and educated at Watford Boys’ Grammar School and Sussex University, where my interest in natural history led me to read biology; but from my earliest years English had been my “best” subject, and shortly before my final exams I decided to try to become a professional writer. The job of the artist – in whichever medium he or she works – is an important one, since, conscientiously practised, it helps us to make sense of ourselves and the world.

Authorship is not an easy path to follow. I continue to work at the craft and marvel at its subtlety. I prefer a conventional storytelling framework. This offers the greatest potential for the writer: a reader who wants to know “what happens next” is the most receptive and stands to gain the most of all.

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

British nature writing. The first part is articles published in his hometown newspaper in the mid 80s. (Watford, outskirts of NW London.) These are moderately interesting and informative, although his habit of dropping into 2nd person was annoying.

The second part is extracts from his nature journals over a period of 30+ years. Most are not interesting (except perhaps to avid birders? It's almost completely birding). I kept meaning to just skim and skip but the completist in me would focus in hopes of some meat.