Claxton
Field Notes from a Small Planet
- Published: 2 October 2014
- ISBN: 9781448191994
- Imprint: Vintage Digital
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 256
It’s as satisfyingly poetic as it is poetically satisfying.
Wanderlust
After Mark Cocker’s glorious book, you will never look at a blackberry bush the same way again.
Philip Hoare, New Statesman
If your eye has ever been caught by a moth, owl, jay or ash tree, Claxton has something new to tell about it, about Britain, and about life – which is an infinite compilation of exquisite detail.
Horatio Clare, 5 stars, Daily Telegraph
The book is spectacular… Brilliant natural-history writing.
Jonathan Wright, Herald
At once charming and unsentimental, these short pieces educate and delight.
Stephanie Cross, 5 stars, Lady
Cocker is a sharp-eyed, knowledgeable and accessible writer… Makes one look again at the world outdoors with renewed awe and wonder.
Ben East, Metro
[Cocker] is enraptured, passionate and down-to-earth, and never stops wanting to learn and delve deeper into his ordinary, extraordinary English countryside.
Patrick Barkham, BBC Wildlife
Cocker is a sharp-eyed, knowledgeable and accessible writer. The way in which he celebrates the rhythms of a year makes one look again at the world outdoors with renewed awe and wonder.
Ben East, Metro
To be astonished by nature, look no further than Claxton.
Spectator
[Cocker] observes with patience, acuity and in prose so exquisite it borders on poetry… You feel as though you’re by the side of the most expert guide you could hope for, being taught to marvel at wonders of nature.
James Delingpole, 5 stars, Mail on Sunday
Cocker is a quietly eloquent guide.
Nature
He writes both robustly and exquisitely, seeing into things through the prism of language with great craft and a sense of seamless ease.
Country Life
A heartfelt plea to treasure and protect the diversity and richness of our indigenous wildlife.
David Vass, Diss Express
It’s a celebration of wonder that lies in our everyday experiences, with magical and concise, but inspiring writing!
UK Press Syndication
[Cocker’s] writing is characterised by close observation and a tangible sense of the progression through the seasons.
Mark Whitley, Countryman
His year-long cycle of daily writings from a single valley in Norfolk proves the infinite variety to be found in a confined space.
Iona McLaren, Telegraph
Cocker has produced a nature journal full of beautiful, delicate observation, intense drama and new understanding… Claxton is a book full of tastes, sounds and smells as well as sights.
Richard Kerridge, Guardian
Cocker’s profound knowledge, uncanny ability to observe and heartliftingly exact prose make Claxton one of those books that transforms the way you see your own home parish.
Melissa Harrison, The Times
An immensely satisfying and calming read, this can be savoured and enjoyed.
Good Book Guide
A cycle of jewelled, profoundly knowledgeable essays by one of our three finest contemporary nature writers.
Jim Perrin, Great Outdoors
Cocker poses straight questions about our relationship with the natural world and whose job it is to protect is. This skilfully written, lyrically observer book will make you feel it’s a worthwhile job.
Jennifer Cox, Compass Magazine
If you want an antidote to the season, as one year turns coldly into the next, this book is perfect.
James McConnachie, Sunday Times
I defy anyone not to be moved by some of his more remarkable encounters with an amazing cast of creatures and his profound love for his landscape.
John Owen, Country and Townhouse
A lyrical writer, Cocker lucidly conveys his knowledge and love of nature’s details that most of us fail to observe.
Angela Huth, Week
Reading this book is a great enjoyment in itself, but also helps elucidate why the world outside is so very important to our inner selves.
Rob Hume, Birdwatch
A nature journal full of beautiful, delicate observation
Guardian
A beautifully-written account of one man’s passion for the natural world
Daily Mail
A thought provoking read.
Louise Elliott, Country Living Magazine
Cocker writes with such infectious enthusiasm that blackberry picking becomes a thrilling pursuit
Julia Richardson, Daily Mail
Sparklingly tight prose … a delight to read
Paul Cheney, Nudge
Like the best nature books, Cocker’s will infect readers with enthusiasm for going out and noticing things
Rebecca Foster, Nudge