By Jean Lawman
When Iris Murdoch revealed to John Bailey that she had written her first novel, she described it to him as a work that has "something for everyone". Jean Lawman has produced a masterpiece which boasts the same attributes. It is seldom that a non-naturalist finds a book that is such a gripping read. In the foreword, Stella Turk leaves no stone unturned in expressing her recognition of Lawman's achievement in getting to grips with Land's End in the very clearly written eight headed chapters.
These are environmental influences,
coastland, moorland, wetland, woodland, farmland, towns and villages and
conservation.
Lawman presents her chapters
in a fashion not unlike a biography where the "hero", in this
case Land's End, is examined in detail. The appendices for the plants,
birds, butterflies, moths and dragonflies, and mammals show Lawman's internalised
knowledge of the place. Although the appendices come as no surprise, they
give authority to the book which could only be written by someone who
is passionate about her
subject and who has tried and
succeeded in providing a light to
bring . to the reader's eyes a new way of seeing ! the vast natural history
which evolves i with the turn of every page. Excellent! sketches and photographs
by the, author herself enrich this book which is a must as a work of science
and a work of art. Land's End is the hero, Jean Lawman the prophet/teacher.
Cait Hutchings
Published by Tabb House at
£19.99
(203 pp) ISBN 1-873951-29-9
Birds in Cornwall 2000
A Video Record
Birds in Cornwall 2000 is the fourth
edition video of the annual series by Watch The Birdie Productions and
it can be summed up in one word -sensational'. The video lasts
for about 104 minutes and contains over 100 species of birds filmed in
Cornwall.
This is a fantastic record
of the birds in the county. The narration by Steve
Rogers is most helpful to all birdwatchers, from expert twitchers to novices.
Everyone will learn a great deal from it.
Some of the action is the
best I have ever seen. The Cape Cornwall gyr falcon mobbing a fox while
itself being mobbed by a peregrine is better than anything you will see
on the BBC or ITV and all filmed in Cornwall.
I recommend the purchase of this video to all who have an interest in
birds. It is available from South West Optics - call (01872) 263444 -
and is very capable of taking the stress out of birthday or festive gift
choosing! I cannot wait for the Birds in Cornwall 2001 to come out.
Stuart Hutchings
Published bv Watch The Birdie
Productionsat £15 (104 minutes)
John Chappie and Andy Jane
Narrator Steve Rogers
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