The Wild Life of the Fox

by John Lewis-Stempel

"I adore the fox for its magnificence; I hate the fox for killing my chickens.
To love and loathe the fox is a British condition."

The fox is our apex predator, our most beautiful and clever killer. We have witnessed its wild touch, watched it slink by bins at night and been chilled by its high-pitched scream. And yet we long to stroke the tumbling cubs outside their tunnel homes and watch the vixen stalk the cornfield.

There is something about foxes. They captivate us like no other species.

Exploring a long and sometimes complicated relationship, The Wild Life of the Fox captures our love – and sometimes loathing – of this magnificent creature in vivid detail and lyrical prose.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Environment, Natural History

96 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2020

Reviews

[Callum McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short account of the complex relationship between man and fox in Britain. I love the concept, Lewis-Stemple writes well enough, and there are some nice extracts from poems that capture the mystique of the fox, but too much of the book is spent discussing fox hunting (of which the author is dissapointingly in favour) rather than the lives of the foxes themselves (habitat, behaviour, etc.).

A real missed opportunity, and frankly a bizarre choice of subject matter for someone who so blatantly supports fox culling.

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed John Lewis-Stempel's The Secret Life of the Owl and The Glorious Life of the Oak. It therefore seemed rather obvious that I would pick up The Wild Life of the Fox at some point. I chose to listen to this one, and really wish I could get those two hours of my life back. Rather than being a charming and informative listen, as I was expecting, the majority of this book is taken up with a rather biased and one-sided commentary on fox hunting. There was so little positivity about the fox here - and let's face it, they're wonderful and deserving creatures.

The Wild Life of the Fox was really too brief to make a good contribution to the niche of nature books about foxes, and the negative tone which it took did not appeal to me at all as a reader. This is not one which I'd recommend, and I will also think twice about picking up any of Lewis-Stempel's books in future on this basis.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet. I'll be reading more from this series I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the fox in literature and there are a few books suggested in here that I would like to read or re-read, including The Tale of Mr. Tod, which I haven't read since I was a child, but I think was my favourite of hers, and Wild Lone: The Story of a Pytchley Fox by B.B.; I must check my father's bookcase for this one.

[Henna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wild Life of the Fox is interesting addition to the natural history of foxes in Britain category. It's beautifully produced, with stunning illustrations and gorgeous cover art and design.

However, it is relatively short and focuses a lot on the issue of hunting foxes. On this occasion, I would have preferred if Lewis-Stempel had focused on the wild life of the fox; their nature, habitat etc. While these things are briefly discussed, much more is focused on the hunting. I feel like Lucy Jones's Foxes Unearthed handled the discussion of hunting better, because it is able to focus on all sides of the issue as it is much longer and more detailed account of foxes in Britain. Lewis-Stempel only scratched the surface here, and if a reader has not read on the subject previously, it will most likely leave them wanting more.

I do appreciate how balanced Lewis-Stempel's view of foxes is: you can love and loathe them at the same time, and most important thing is to understand that foxes do not act out from malice.

[Liz Little · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found out lots of interesting information in chapter one , but chapter two (and throughout the rest of the book ) gave such a one sided view on fox hunting , very disappointing. The book is entitled the wild life of the fox but it didn’t feel a very honest account . The author clearly supports fox hunting from what he has written , but there is another side to this and I would have liked to have learnt what the fox goes through and why people are opposed to it . I won’t be buying anymore books by this author , I want to hear both sides not just one side

[Sarah Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ The Wild Life Of The Fox”, a beautiful but short lyrical piece on the natural life of the Fox mammal. A warm blend of facts, poetry and literature which all combined made a fascinating little read. John Lewis-Stempel painted the fox in such a wondrous way, from all areas of study including the predatory apex. You can tell he really digs to the core of this delightful countryside dweller; they are such complex characters and very misunderstood, which I think is why this book stood out to me. It is here to inform and delight, and it did just that. I think I love foxes more.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this little book.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve possibly been a little generous with the stars this time but I did really enjoy this book. It’s very short but very sweet and a great introduction to foxes in Britain without getting bogged down, and also contains some stunning illustrations.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* A really quick read. The Wild Life of the Fox is an interesting collection of stories, poems and information about the history of the fox including quite a lot about fox hunting and our fascination with foxes. Some lovely illustrations, a fox bibliography and fox playlist. I would have liked to read more, especially in relation to fox habitats, looking after their young and their personality. I will be looking out for the others in the series.

[Amy Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t really expecting this to be so pro fox-hunting but it’s well written with lots of folk tidbits.

[Ivan Monckton · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I was critical of the last 2 of the author’s books in the series, and said that I would think hard about buying any further volumes. I have to admit that, when I saw this latest volume, I didn’t stop to consider at all, and bought it straight away. I am very glad to report that this is a definite improvement in terms of value, with almost 4 times the original text of the last volume! A beautifully produced dust-wrappered hardback book for less than a tenner, excellent writing, as always, and plenty of information on foxes (and foxhunting) that I was unaware of.
Just a couple of quibbles, ‘foxing’ in books does not refer to brown marks on their covers, but on the end papers and pages within the covers. And, although not openly stated, the impression given that fox hunting was hugely supported across the countryside, ignores the fact that every poll of my adulthood showed majority opposition to hunting in the countryside as well as the towns, and the Agricultural section of the TGWU trade union was opposed to hunting for decades.

[Lotte Houghton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this one, which was essentially a story about fox hunting and it’s history with the elements that I’d loved in his books about owls and hares glanced over (their hunting skills, biology, family dynamics and cultural history etc). Maybe I’m just too metropolitan and bourgeoisie but I honestly don’t think you can not denounce hunting just because it’s traditional and ‘country’, there is no excuse to inflict pain and fear on animals for amusement. I understand that farmers have to protect their livestock but that’s another matter. And yes, if my chickens were killed by foxes it would be devastating but there is surely a lot more to their habits than simply being predators. It didn’t even mention urban foxes at all and the difference in their lifestyles.

[Simeon Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book that advertises itself about the wild life of the fox it is far too brief and anecdotal. So much of the book is dedicated to discussing hunting foxes and it gives such a one-sided view of this topic. Even ignoring this, there's very little factual information about this book. Whilst I have an interest in nature (hence why I read this book) I've not directly read about foxes before; despite this I still knew a lot about the actual hard facts presented in this book just through osmosis. It's not the in-depth account I'd hoped it would be. Honestly, it's just lacklustre and is one of the worse nature books I've read. Too low on facts; too high on opinions and anecdotes.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly enlightening and entertaining musings on the fox and their way of life, habits, and increasing movement into the urban environment. Until reading this book I had been wary of foxes, not really understanding them but I am glad to say this book has educated me in the ways of the fox.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting facts and a good overview of the red fox, but maybe too much focus on fox hunting for my taste.

[Sanjuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Lewis-Stempel's first book in this series, on owls, and really enjoyed it. It led me towards a deeper love of what is already one of my favorite animals. This book accomplished much the same, in terms of motivating me towards a deeper interest in foxes, but the book on the whole was less interesting than the book on owls. Lewis-Stempel mixes memoir with cultural history in a very effective way, and he is a fluid and engaging writer. I enjoyed the portions about the ways foxes have been depicted, especially in literature. However, his focus was almost solely on foxes in Britain, whereas I would have loved some discussion on the particular ways that British foxes differ or are similar to other species or from foxes in other regions. Overall a fun and worthwhile book.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little book that makes me appreciate the fox more. Even though I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in person. With so many pages of the book dedicated to describe how the fox was hunted I can’t help but feel so sorry for the animal. Just seems like a very tragic fate that the species has to face. Intelligent and beautiful but everyone just seeks your blood :(

I enjoy the first few chapters the most when the author talks about how the fox hunts (I think it’s really cool how foxes may be using the earth’s magnetic field to estimate the distance of prey). But the later chapters are a bit too scattered for me to enjoy thoroughly. I wish there’s more about the behaviour of foxes that I might not know beforehand!

Overall a short and sweet read but I wish there’s more to it!

[Annie Leadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read about this Creature that is our apex predator, our most beautiful and clever killer.
It is a Book which is filled with facts, fables, verse and song regarding the life of this stealthy creature that we often have a love ,hate relationship with . It also brought back memories of encounters that I have had with Foxes over my lifetime & of tales I was told about them as a child when growing up in our Countryside,& a creature which is now very common within our towns & cities . #FB, #NetGalley, #GoodReads,#Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather enjoyable little read. Presents the fox in it's relationship to people, almost entirely within Britain, throughout history. Heavy focus on fox hunting. Though most of the content is human-animal related with a few brief mentions of the 'wild' life of the fox (exclusive fox info without people being involved).

If you're looking to read about foxes in their own right then this is not the book for you. However, if you want a readable and concise intro to the relationship between foxes and people then you will enjoy this.

[Nicky Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book from the author

"The Wild Life of the Fox" An amusing,, formative and thoroughly enjoyable book. Filled with facts, fables, verse and song regarding the life and times of our bushy tailed 'friend's
I didn't realise that Mr Tod was such a creature of historic literature going many centuries back. Lovely read.😊

[Jo Larkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A varied and interesting account of the fox and it's relationship with man through the ages as sport, enemy, subject of poetry, prose, song and myth. The book includes several poems, a fox playlist and a reading list, and a list of interesting facts. I enjoyed dipping in to it and will explore the reading list further.

[Lucy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little read and fascinating account of foxes throughout history. Would have to agree with previous reviews that a lot of the book is focussed on fox hunting, and despite this being interesting, it doesn't quite suit the title.
Nonetheless, I still learnt a lot reading this book and enjoyed it, especially the poems (in particular The Fox Meditates by Rudyard Kipling which made me cry).

[Mackenzie Bianco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and simple book that’s been on my shelf for a while. Gives a solid overview of the fox in Britain’s history and beyond, as well as its role in popular culture, both past and present. A cute book to put in the guest room.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generous 4 stars.

Agree with other reviews about excessive discussion on fox hunting - this does seem to take up over half the book. I think if there was more information about the fox itself, which feels a bit rushed in places, this would be less noticeable.

[Ninavdv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me before reading this book: I love foxes
Me after reading this book: I LOVE foxes

[Malcolm Balster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely book just not my cup of tea

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short audiobook was very informative in terms of the natural history of the Fox as well as its cultural influence and its place in literature and the like,

Certainly well worth a listen.

[Nine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and nicely written; a little too focused on hunting to my taste.

[Joe Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, could not put this book down. Foxes are magical animals and this book only reinforces that, nicely balanced between fact, history and myth.