Robert Macfarlane
Robert Macfarlane is a celebrated English author, poet and conservationist, whose literary works have illuminated themes of wilderness, culture, literature and ecology. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1976, Macfarlane attended Cambridge University, where he made a name for himself as a scholar and writer. After completing his studies, he began working as a freelance journalist, eventually becoming a leading figure in Britain’s “slenderly re-emerging nature writing tradition”. He has since released several books, including Mountains of the Mind: A History of a Fascination (2003), The Wild Places (2007) and Underland: A Deep Time Journey (2019). In recognition for his literary and conservation achievements, he has received multiple awards and honorary degrees, including the British Academy’s Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding.
Macfarlane’s books explore ecology, history, memory and narrative. His writing is often described as “lyrical” and “inventive”, as his vivid descriptions and original metaphors give readers a deeper insight into the natural world. He has a particular interest in the impact of human activities on landscape and wildlife, which he often writes about in a poetic and engaging manner. His books often feature detailed explorations of the history and culture of locations such as mountain ranges, coastal areas, and remote islands.
Macfarlane’s first book, Mountains of the Mind, focuses on the allure of mountains. It’s a thoughtful investigation of how the most powerful of natural features have captured our imagination since ancient times. He looks at how mountains have been used as a source of inspiration for religious and philosophical thought, as well as a symbol of human striving. His writing is accessible, engaging and full of facts.
The Wild Places, Macfarlane’s third book, is a lyrical account of his travels in Britain and Ireland. He investigates how humans, animals and plants inhabit these wild lands, exploring themes such as loss, identity, experimentation and the joy of discovery. This book is considered Macfarlane’s most personal work, and it’s often referred to as a “masterclass in writing”.
Macfarlane co-authored the book Landmarks (2015) with British artist and writer Jackie Morris. The project follows a different approach to mapping nature, as Macfarlane and Morris travel to remote habitats such as wetlands, meadows and uplands, looking at common and rare words that are used to describe the landscape. The result is an illustrated collection of delightfully poetic language that offers a new way of looking at the natural world.
Macfarlane’s most recent book, Underland: A Deep Time Journey, is a deep dive into the secrets of the Earth. In the book, Macfarlane takes us from the highest mountains to the depths of the oceans, from active volcanoes to old disused mines, reflecting on the mystery and beauty of the hidden places of the world. It’s a remarkable journey that explores the human need for knowledge and discovery.
Robert Macfarlane is an acclaimed author, whose books offer us a deeper understanding of the world around us. His works of travel, nature and science give us the opportunity to explore and reflect on our place in the environment, while also deepening our appreciation of the beauty of the natural world. With each new book, Macfarlane continues to inspire and capture our imagination.
