The Swan
A Biography
Published on 4. November 2021
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-1-5291-1037-1 (ISBN)
Description
From the renowned naturalist Stephen Moss comes the must-have gift for bird lovers this Christmas.
'Wherever there is a stretch of water for them to find food and make their nest, you will come across swans'
With beautiful illustrations throughout, this eye-opening biography reveals the hidden secrets of one of Britain's best-known birds.
The Mute Swan is not so much a bird, as a national treasure: the avian equivalent of Sir David Attenborough or the Queen. These huge and stately creatures are part of our urban and rural landscapes, a constant presence on lakes, rivers and ponds throughout Britain. Yet despite their familiarity, they are often misunderstood; and while many people love swans, others fear them.
Swans also feature in myths and legends, art and literature, dance and music, not just in Britain but all around the world. Stephen Moss delves into the facts and fiction about these charismatic birds, describes their seasonal life cycle and examines their central role in our history and culture. He also includes stories about 'wild swans' - Whooper and Bewicks - that visit us in winter; and the Black Swan of Australia.
'A superb naturalist and writer' Chris Packham
'Moss has carved out an enviable niche as a chronicler of the natural world' Daily Mail
'Wherever there is a stretch of water for them to find food and make their nest, you will come across swans'
With beautiful illustrations throughout, this eye-opening biography reveals the hidden secrets of one of Britain's best-known birds.
The Mute Swan is not so much a bird, as a national treasure: the avian equivalent of Sir David Attenborough or the Queen. These huge and stately creatures are part of our urban and rural landscapes, a constant presence on lakes, rivers and ponds throughout Britain. Yet despite their familiarity, they are often misunderstood; and while many people love swans, others fear them.
Swans also feature in myths and legends, art and literature, dance and music, not just in Britain but all around the world. Stephen Moss delves into the facts and fiction about these charismatic birds, describes their seasonal life cycle and examines their central role in our history and culture. He also includes stories about 'wild swans' - Whooper and Bewicks - that visit us in winter; and the Black Swan of Australia.
'A superb naturalist and writer' Chris Packham
'Moss has carved out an enviable niche as a chronicler of the natural world' Daily Mail
Reviews / Votes
[A] beautifully illustrated guide * BBC Wildlife * Charming * The Tablet * This is a great read, and springs surprises about a bird you might think you know well -- John Miles and Matt Merritt * Bird Watching *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Vintage Publishing
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Laminated cover
Dimensions
Height: 209 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
484 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5291-1037-1 (9781529110371)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Stephen Moss is a naturalist, author and broadcaster. In a distinguished career at the BBC Natural History Unit his credits included Springwatch, Birds Britannia and The Nature of Britain. His books include The Owl, The Wren, The Robin, The Twelve Birds of Christmas, The Swallow and The Swan. He is the outgoing President of the Somerset Wildlife Trust and a Visting Research Fellow at Bath Spa University. Originally from London, he now lives with his wife and children on the Somerset Levels.