Cultured Llama

 Two books that go together, and our first hardback editions, have recently received glowing reviews.

The Ecology of Everyday Things by Mark Everard is reviewed by Jimi Irwin for the Institute of Environmental Sciences:

… everyday things covered include t-shirts, a bowl of rice, fresh air and a hot bath, before the book moves on to cover more obviously natural objects: trees, ‘unappealing creatures’ such as wasps and woodlice and, not surprisingly given the author’s interests, fish!

The thinking which underpins this book is nicely encapsulated in a short description of how the author’s home village has changed over the centuries – even the name from Somerford Magna to Great Somerford. While the importance of ecosystems was once readily apparent to villagers, today it may seem far removed from day to day life. But it is still there, supplying and regenerating the materials necessary for life. The book ends with a discussion of the ecology of space travel, along with some further reflections on Living on a Planet and the associated sustainability challenges.

With numerous references for the reader who wishes to explore further, this is an entertaining journey. The author makes it clear that this book is not intended to be didactic (although it may occasionally stray a little in that direction); rather it aims to celebrate the complex natural linkages which underpin our everyday activities. And it does so wonderfully well.

This slender volume is well worth a place on your bookshelf – read it (with or without a cup of tea), enjoy it, think about it – and encourage your friends to do likewise.

Go to the book’s page: The Ecology of Everyday Things by Mark Everard, to order for £13 plus p&p. Order two or more books direct from Cultured Llama and postage and packing is free.

Les Animots: A Human Bestiary, poems by Gordon Meade, illustrations by Douglas Robertson is given a thorough appreciation by Fiona Sinclair in a review on London Grip:

This is a collection to return to. The poems have layered meanings that often are only grasped on second or third readings. The reader comes away with a sense of a common bond between man and animals. Such a bond can lead to us considering not only social issues but also deeper philosophical concepts such as the relevance of our lives, our origins and our desire for some kind of spirituality. Meade’s words, coupled with Robertson’s exquisite images, make this a book to delight in and savour for years to come.

Go to the book’s page: Les Animots: A Human Bestiary to order for £13 plus p&p. Order two or more books direct from Cultured Llama and postage and packing is free.

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