As November stubs out the glow of autumn and the days tighten into
shorter hours, winter's occupation begins. Preparing for winter has its
own rhythms, as old as our exchanges with the land. Of all the seasons,
it draws us together. But winter can be tough. It is a time of
introspection, of looking inwards. Seasonal sadness; winter blues;
depression--such feelings are widespread in the darker months. But by
looking outwards, by being in and observing nature, we can appreciate
its rhythms. Mountains make sense in any weather. The voices of a wood
always speak consolation. A brush of frost; subtle colors; days as
bright as a magpie's cackle. We can learn to see and celebrate winter in
all its shadows and lights. In this moving and lyrical evocation of a
British winter and the feelings it inspires, Horatio Clare raises a
torch against the darkness, illuminating the blackest corners of the
season, and delving into memory and myth to explore the powerful hold
that winter has on us. By learning to see, we can find the magic, the
light that burns bright at the heart of winter: spring will come again.