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Elliott & Thompson has scooped two books on how we engage with the natural world from “warm, wry and enquiring” writer Lev Parikian.
Into The Tangled Bank, to be published in July 2020, investigates the quirks, habits and foibles of how the British respond to nature.
“Starting on the pavement outside his house and travelling as far as Skye, Lev Parikian takes a tour to explore how our collective relationship with nature has changed over the centuries, what our actions mean to nature and what being a nature lover in Britain means today,” the publisher said. “Everywhere he goes there we are, each experiencing nature in our own way: ramblers, dog-walkers, photographers; loving couples, grumpy singles, families; kite-flyers, den-builders, grass-loungers; young whippersnappers, old farts, middle-aged ne’er-do-wells; beginners, specialists, all-rounders; or just people out for a stroll in the sun doing their thing.”
It will be followed in autumn 2021 by 72 Seasons, in which the Japanese idea of dividing the year into 72 micro seasons will be transported by Parikian to a tiny patch of suburban England, providing a fresh perspective on how nature changes across the course of a single year.
Elliott & Thompson acquired world rights in both titles direct from the author in deals negotiated by editor at large Simon Spanton and publishing director Sarah Rigby.
The publisher said: “We’ve long been fans of Lev’s ability to communicate his enthusiasm for the world around him with a voice that is at once warm, humorous and thoughtful. We’re thrilled to be able to help him share his love affair with natural world with what we believe can be the very widest of readerships.”
Parikian added: “Two of my favourite activities are mucking around in nature and writing, so I’m beyond thrilled that Elliott & Thompson have asked me to combine them with these two books. Sometimes things fall into your lap perfectly formed—this is one of those times.”