Drawn to Nature

"Since its publication in 1789, Gilbert White's Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne has inspired generations of artists, writers and naturalists. Filled with evocative observations of the flora and fauna of his village, the book has become a classic of English literature that is just as relevant today in an era of species extinction and environmental crisis. From Thomas Bewick to Eric Ravilious and Clare Leighton, many artists' depictions of British birds, animals and wildlife have illustrated White's celebrated book, together providing a microcosm of natural history illustration from the 18th century until today. In Drawn to Nature, Simon Martin has gathered together the best of these artworks, providing an insight into the continuing appeal and relevance of the Natural History and is filled with joyful and beautiful images of the extraordinary array of creatures described by White - from the common thrush and barn owls, to more exotic species such as hoopoe birds, peacocks, and his pet tortoise Timothy. This fascinating account takes us from some of the earliest published depictions of birds and animals, to pioneering nature photography, the revival of wood-engraving in the 1920s and 30s, and responses to White's message about the natural world by contemporary illustrators such as Angie Lewin, Emily Sutton and Christopher Brown"--