Drawn TO NATURE

“Just as so many have found solace in the natural world of late, White’s message seems to be more appropriate than ever”

Nature has long been a source of creative stimulation for British artists and writers. The close observation of animals, birds and insects that can be found close to home in hedgerows and woodlands has been a vital part of our artistic expression. One of the earliest accounts of natural history was made in the late 18th century by a middle-aged country parson at the time of extraordinary world events, including the French Revolution and the American Wars of Independence. It sounds so unlikely and yet it was to be one of the most enduring and influential records of natural life, inspiring numerous artists over the intervening years.

It was put together by. The book was an immediate success and has never been out of print since: with more than 300 editions, it is supposedly the fourth most-published text in English, after the Bible, the works of Shakespeare and John Bunyan’s .