On the subject of books..

[rolling earth]

Has anyone read any good wildlife/nature/travel books recently? I rekindled my enthusiasm for reading after stumbling accross "On Wing and White Water" by Mike Tomkies and found myself collecting all his books (at least those which were available).
Ditto with Sir John Lister Kaye and the master of them all - Jim Crumley. If you've never read "Brother Nature", "Something Out There" or "A High and Lonely Place",then I urge you to scour the length and breadth of the country to find them. Could someone suggest something in a similar vein as I'm running out of home entertainment,I know there's always the internet or this forum but when you've been sat at a computer at work for 8 hrs,sometimes its' the last thing you want to do. Good reading all.

[Dan Salter]

Ahhh the legend that is Mike Tomkies...i just finished his "out of the wild"

I must admit i do cringe slightly to some of his approaches and the many mishaps he has which i can always see coming.....doesnt stop him being a good writer though. All his books are being re published as we speak.

I have not heard of the others you mention or the authors but i will search them out cheers.

[nightshade]

I picked up Tarka the Otter at the local produce shop nr.Torcross.
An amazing tale,before Wildlife-ing became "popular"

[rlchew]

I did wonder but I am almost sure now .... I assume that your WAB user name comes from "Song of the Rolling Earth" by Sir John Lister Kaye?

What a good read that is for anyone who enjoys wildlife and the Scottish Highlands in particular.

Richard

[rolling earth]

Yes, you are correct Richard , from the book , a really nice laid back read.

I seem to be going through a "Scottish Wildlife" phase at the moment , I think its because its such a fantastic place to observe nature.

[rolling earth]

Hi Dan,
I agree with your comment about Tomkies unorthodox approach,he appeared to be an extremely resourceful character when he lived at Gaskan. It's amazing what you can achieve with some corrugated tin sheet,some nails and a length of fishing line.

[hammock monkey]

Mike Tomkies has made a big impression on me, I'll be searching out the other authors recommended here - many thanks to everyone for suggesting them.

Some of my favourite books/ stories are the old poaching tales. Although quite dark at times they can also be hillarious and border on the uplifting.

Richard Maybe and Roger Deakin are also worth a look, as is Gerald Durrell although I expect you all have explored these authors way before me.

thanks again though,
cheers

[Dan Salter]

I have read Richard Mabeys Flora Brittanica from cover to cover (and Mark Cockers Birds Brittanica) both excellent.

[cf]

Mike Tomkies Wildcat Haven just went back into print with new pictures and updates from the man himself

Steve

[Dan Salter]

Originally Posted by cf

Mike Tomkies Wildcat Haven just went back into print with new pictures and updates from the man himself

Steve

Yes i have been bleating on about this for a while! ..its the latest in a run of reprints of his books by his publishers....all very good news!