What history can teach us about how to avoid ecological catastrophe
‘Sophie writes fantastically, chronicling the most important issues facing nature conservationists today.’ Chris Packham
For thousands of years, humans have been the architects of the natural world. Our activities have permanently altered the environment – for good and for bad.
Nature’s Ghosts examines how the planet would have looked before humans scrubbed away its diversity: from landscapes carved out by megafauna to the primeval forests that emerged following the last Ice Age, and from the eagle-haunted skies of the Dark Ages to the flower-decked farms of more recent centuries.
It uncovers the stories of the people who have helped to shape the landscape, seeking out their footprints even where it seems there are none to be found. And it explores the timeworn knowledge that can help to fix our broken relationship with the earth.
Along the way it recounts the environmental detective work – archaeological, cultural and ecological – that has allowed us to reconstruct, in stunning detail, the landscapes we have lost.
Today, the natural world is more vulnerable than ever; the footprints of humanity heavier than they have ever been. There is no returning to a Golden Age of nature. But, as this urgent book argues, from the ghosts of the past, we may learn how to build a more wild and ancient future.
‘Sophie writes fantastically, chronicling the most important issues facing nature conservationists today.’ Chris Packham 'A wondrous book and a ticket for environmental time travel.' Tristan Gooley ‘Offers insights that could help shape a better informed and more constructive debate … Concludes with determination and hope.’ The Spectator 'Wonderful … Invites us to overcome our shortsightedness by peering into the distant past and using it to inform our future.' The Times 'Nature’s Ghosts underscores how people have more choices than they realize when it comes to crafting a better future.' Nature 'Elegantly written and poetic.' Science 'Urgent and utterly compelling.' Lewis Dartnell ‘Essential, intelligent reading. Sophie is one of the brightest, best-informed and most balanced contributors to the big debates.’ Patrick Barkham 'Carefully and elegantly traces the complex histories of humanity's changing relations with land and wildness. … Joyful.' Rebecca Wragg Sykes 'Beautiful and necessary: Yeo will make you see the land with new eyes.' Ben Rawlence 'Fascinating, deeply researched and breathtaking in its scope.' Guy Shrubsole 'A thrilling work of investigative writing.' Lee Schofield 'Important and inspiring.' Helen Rebanks 'Beautifully told.' Henry Mance ‘Vivid and urgent. A powerful new voice.’ Mary-Ann Ochota ‘Captivating. Enriched by luminous ideas and forward-thinking passion.’ Tiffany Francis-Baker 'A tour de force.' Benedict Macdonald 'As textured as the lost landscapes through which Yeo transports us.' Jon Dunn 'Fascinating … Thrilling.' Patrick Galbraith ‘A book of overwhelming, hopeful humanity.’ Harriet Rix 'Poignant.' Geographical Magazine ‘An exhilarating ride back and forth in time … Yeo is a fantastic writer, and marshals a huge, sweeping narrative.’ DiscoverWildlife, best wildlife and nature books of 2024
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