A Focus On Nature, Books and Reviews
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Book Review: Autumn – an anthology for the seasons
When the package containing this book landed on my doorstep, it was a timely arrival, and was destined to be my “holiday” reading on a ringing trip to Arctic Norway. As with previous editions of this seasonal series, Melissa Harrison has created a perfect match of fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose, modern and historic writing.
Comparing Autumn with her previous editions Spring and Summer, almost all of the pieces of writing concern the changing moods of the season instead of looking at specific species (although some do feature). The modern pieces of writing by known and new writers combined with pieces of well known and loved classical literature by the likes of Reverend Gilbert White and Thomas Furly Forster show how the Autumn season remains a magical time of year for all who experience it, whether out in the countryside or in the cities.
“The Autumnal Season sets in about Michaelmas with cooler air, often cold nights, but for the most part fine weather; as it advances, and the temperature continues to decline, it frequently produces showers and wet weather, accompanied with high gales of wind which prevail most during the night, and are often succeeded by dead calms in the day time.” (Thomas Furly Forster) Published in 1827, the Autumnal weather is much the same as it was almost 200 years ago. As I was reading this, the wind was driving yet another downpour at my window, and I did have a small smile on my face as I snuggled further into my comfy reading chair. Although Climate Change is something I take seriously, and the evidence shows that the weather is certainly changing over time, it was comforting to know that this was the norm back then too.
Dr Rob Lambert’s passage on his own annual migration to the Isles of Scilly to participate in the ever popular hobby of “twitching” was very timely, as the few days before the UK was seeing vast influxes of foreign migrants, including many “mega’s” such as Siberian Accentor (First for Britain, followed by another 3!), Dusky Warbler and Black Browed Albatross! Having never been interested in keeping lists, this Autumn has thrown so many surprises at the British Isles, maybe I will have to participate in a few (local) twitches!
“Autumn is an Adventure… a celebration of senses.” (Louise Baker) This wonderful short piece of writing is one of my favourites in the book. It explores all the sensory wonders that the season has to offer, including “…bold bursts of colour…twinkling dew that clings to the cold grass and delicate spider webs…crackling bonfires…sweet cologne of an over-flowing fruit bowl…crunch of leaves underfoot…prickle of a conker not yet out of its casing”
The overwhelming feeling when reading this book is that Autumn is but a passing season, no sooner have we drifted into it from Summer are we thrown into the wonders of Winter. For me, this encouraged me to explore the season with a new enthusiasm, especially as I was to experience Autumn this year! The disadvantage of visiting the Arctic in September is that Autumn is well and truly underway and despite the long daylight hours compared to home, the trees were already creating a beautifully coloured mosaic of abstract shapes in the forests. However, reading the book it made me appreciate what I was missing about Autumn back home and upon my return I was able to enjoy the season in full again.
This book will inspire readers of all ages and abilities to get out there and experience what remains of the Autumn season. “Autumn is a time for textured treasure, run your fingers through its landscape”