The perfect gift for nature lovers, in this beautifully illustrated small format hardback, John LewisStempel delves into the cuckoos unique behaviour and captivating role in our cultural imagination, in folklore, myth, literature and music, turning his exquisite prose to one of the strangest tales of the countryside.Is there any bird more mysterious than the cuckoo?It is invariably heard, and not seen. And if seen, it is mistaken for a sharpwinged hawk. The female cuckoo by a trick that borders on alchemy is able to disguise its egg as anothers. In Greek myth the god Zeus assumed the form of a cuckoo to seduce Hera.But we forgive the cuckoo its conartistry, because it is the true herald of spring. It is the bird that uplifts our wintered hearts, with that first twonote cukkoo unmistakable as it sounds across the country.In The Curious Life of the Cuckoo, John LewisStempel explains one of natures greatest enigmas in vivid, lyrical prose, and celebrates this iconic bird.That John LewisStempel is one of the best nature writers of his generation is undisputed. Country LifeHis immense, patient powers of observation along with a flair for the anthropomorphic mean he is able to offer a portrait of animal life thats rare in its colour and drama. ObserverEngaging, closelyobserved and beautiful ... this authors deep love of the world around him is as inspiring as it is entertaining. Daily MailJohn LewisStempel is the hottest nature writer around. SpectatorIts his...

Binding: Hardback;96 pages; Publisher: TBS-Penguin Random House Wholesale; Classification: PSVW6; Weight: 318 g; Dimensions: 136 x 206 x 15

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