Meadowland

Synopsis

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'BRITAIN'S FINEST LIVING NATURE WRITER' - THE TIMES

WINNER OF THE THWAITES WAINWRIGHT PRIZE 2015

What really goes on in the long grass?

Meadowland gives an unique and intimate account of an English meadow's life from January to December, together with its biography. In exquisite prose, John Lewis-Stempel records the passage of the seasons from cowslips in spring to the hay-cutting of summer and grazing in autumn, and includes the biographies of the animals that inhabit the grass and the soil beneath: the badger clan, the fox family, the rabbit warren,the skylark brood and the curlew pair, among others. Their births, lives, and deaths are stories that thread through the book from first page to last.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Meadowland

* Introduces the titular Meadowland, a vast and mystical realm where anything is possible.
* Example: A young child named Lily discovers a hidden path that leads her to a meadow filled with talking animals and magical trees.

Chapter 2: The Enchanted Forest

* Explores the deep, mysterious forest that borders the Meadowland.
* Example: A group of adventurers ventures into the forest and encounters a wise old owl who grants them wishes.

Chapter 3: The Glittering Lake

* Describes the shimmering lake that lies in the heart of the Meadowland.
* Example: A mermaid named Celeste emerges from the lake to help a princess find her lost necklace.

Chapter 4: The Crystal Mountains

* Ascend the towering crystal mountains that surround the Meadowland.
* Example: A brave knight scales the mountains to retrieve a rare healing herb for a sick village.

Chapter 5: The Shadow Vale

* Delve into the dark and treacherous Shadow Vale.
* Example: A group of friends must overcome their fears to find a hidden treasure buried beneath the vale's shadowy depths.

Chapter 6: The Golden City

* Journey to the magnificent Golden City, where wonders abound.
* Example: A traveler discovers a secret door that leads to a city of gold and jewels, ruled by a benevolent queen.

Chapter 7: The Whispering Woods

* Venture into the ancient Woods, where trees whisper secrets to the wind.
* Example: A young poet stumbles upon a group of talking trees that inspire him with their wisdom and poetry.

Chapter 8: The Emerald Sea

* Sail across the vast and enigmatic Emerald Sea.
* Example: A shipwrecked sailor encounters a mythical sea creature that grants him a second chance at life.

Chapter 9: The Celestial Plains

* Ascend to the heavens and explore the celestial plains.
* Example: An astronomer witnesses a celestial dance of stars that reveals the secrets of the universe.

Chapter 10: The Return

* Embark on the bittersweet journey back to the ordinary world.
* Example: After a transformative adventure, a traveler returns home with invaluable memories and lessons learned in the Meadowland.