Cold Blood
Adventures with Reptiles and Amphibians
- Published: 8 May 2014
- ISBN: 9781448155682
- Imprint: Vintage Digital
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 304
A mix of memoir, science writing and humn to nature, this will propel Kerridge into the pantheon of great 21st-century nature writers. He tells the story of his fascination with reptiles and explains what it is to be cold blooded.
Patrick Neale, The Bookseller
Cold Blood shows us how much is to be gained from studying nature. A book that persuades anyone to try sampling life at first-hand rather than at second is much to be welcomed’
Steve Jones, Sunday Telegraph
As a memoir, Cold Blood has the feel of a minor classic. It is exquisite. As a piece of nature writing, it is also rich, subtle and shot through with quiet passion
James McConnachie, Sunday Times
Subtle and meditative, lyrical and passionate
Gavin Francis
Simply wonderful…the natural history book I have been waiting for
Brett Westwood
[A] perceptive memoir...Cold Blood is proof that an early infatuation with the natural world can lead to a lifetime of wonder
Barbara Kiser, nature
Perceptive and original...Kerridge writes vividly of the natural world (5 stars)
Tom Fort, Literary Review
In prose as effortless as a snake's progress, Richard Kerridge has written a wry, wise and refreshingly understated memoir
Patrick Barkham, Guardian
Perceptive and original... Kerridge writes vividly of the natural world
Gerard Henderson, Daily Express
[A] perceptive memoir... Cold Blood is proof that an early infatuation with the natural world can lead to a lifetime of wonder
Pete Dommett, BBC Wildlife
Cold Blood casts an unexpected but beautiful love-light across ordinary England, and its uncaring reptiles and amphibians
Tim Dee, Observer
Captured moments such as the golden flash of a palmate newt delight the reader as much as they did Kerridge’s childhood self
Barbara Kiser, Nature
You don't have to know or care much about amphibians to enjoy this book, although it might well kindle such an interest – for amphibians read: whatever was your childhood passion
Peter Forbes, Independent
Engaging blench of natural history handbook and memoir
Mark Whitley, Countryman
The quality of the writing is superb – evocative, moving, informative
Magnet
Everyone is seasoning serious non-fiction with autobiographical fragments these days, but it’s rare to find both elements handled equally well
James McConnachie, Spectator
This is a funny, moving and compulsively readable account of the author’s boyhood obsession with these often neglected creatures
Stephen Moss, Guardian
As natural history it’s unerringly engaging…; as the story of a tragically damaged father-son relationship it is unforgettable
Melissa Harrison, The Times
A triumph
Helen Macdonald, Irish Times
Part natural history, part coming-of-age memoir, this is a delightful book
Mail on Sunday
As a memoir, Cold Blood has the feel of a minor classic. It is exquisite. As a piece of nature writing, it is also rich, subtle and shot through with quiet passion. It is also a book smoky with regret’
James McConnachie, Sunday Times
This potent book constantly switches focus from reptiles and amphibians to the author’s relationships with friends and family. It’s a tricky act to pull off but Kerridge deftly braids the two strands
Christopher Hirst, Independent
An intelligent, interesting and well-written book which anyone with an interest in nature will enjoy, even people who live on an island with an extremely impoverished reptile and amphibian fauna
Dick Warner, Irish Examiner
This is a lively account of a life spent observing the world of nonhuman reptiles and amphibians
Eileen Battersby, Irish Times
This is a fine memoir of natural discover combined with a boy’s coming-of-age that is funny, touching and poignant in equal parts
Good Book Guide
[A] perceptive memoir...Cold Blood is proof that an early infatuation with the natural world can lead to a lifetime of wonder
Tim Dee, Observer
After reading this book, I know that I shall never again pass a pond or through a stretch of sun-drenched heathland without looking for the creatures that haunt Kerridge's imagination
Gerard Henderson, Daily Express
Captured moments such as the golden flash of a palmate newt delight the reader as much as they did Kerridge's childhood self
Tim Dee, Observer
Cold Blood casts an unexpected but beautiful love-light across ordinary England, and its uncaring reptiles and amphibians
Gerard Henderson, Daily Express
In prose as effortless as a snake's progress, Richard Kerridge has written a wry, wise and refreshingly understated memoir
Patrick Barkham, Guardian
Perceptive and original...Kerridge writes vividly of the natural world (5 stars)
Patrick Barkham, Guardian