Come to the forest, sit by the fireside and listen to intoxicating
song, as Sam Lee tells the story of the nightingale.
Every year, as darkness falls upon woodlands, the nightingale heralds
the arrival of Spring. Throughout history, its sweet song has inspired
musicians, writers and artists around the world, from Germany, France
and Italy to Greece, Ukraine and Korea. Here, passionate
conservationist, renowned musician and folk expert Sam Lee tells the
story of the nightingale.
This book reveals in beautiful detail the bird's song, habitat,
characteristics and migration patterns, as well as the environmental
issues that threaten its livelihood. From Greek mythology to John Keats,
to Persian poetry and 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square', Lee
delves into the various ways we have celebrated the nightingale through
traditions, folklore, music, literature, from ancient history to the
present day. The Nightingale is a unique and lyrical portrait of a
famed yet elusive songbird.
'Wondering and wonderful. The nature book of the year.**' JOHN
LEWIS-STEMPEL'**This lovely book is almost as thrilling as the bird's
immortal song - balm for a troubled soul and a glimpse of paradise.'
JOANNA LUMLEY' Sam Lee has brought the poetic magic that has long
enchanted so many of his musical fans into the written word. Allow
yourself to glimpse the world Sam sees, to be part of his love affair
with the nightingale, and you will no doubt be delighted.' LILY
COLE'A wonderful book.' STEPHEN MOSS'A magical marriage of the
lyrical and practical: a book that makes us want to seek out the
nightingale and then reveals how we can.' TRISTAN GOOLEY
