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asililydying's review against another edition
3.0
Bogged down by contradiction; the last three chapters completely dismember any good point that could have been made.
nicktomjoe's review against another edition
3.0
Of its time a lyrical exploration of landscape and humanity - a sort of geological Matter of Britain. But in both style and accuracy it can’t command the respect of later writers. However as a source book for those trains of thought that can be encountered in Macfarlane or Feinnes or a number of current authors it is a must-read, as it is for an example of the post-war attempt to define British cultural roots.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
3.0
Dancing between poetry and information text, Hawkes' text became an 'unconventional' bestseller when it was published in 1951 and possibly because of its very style. One could argue that it is a precursor to the swathe of idyllic nature books that are swamping bookshops at the moment. Whatever the case although much of the geological facts are dated now it is still a delight to read - one person's dreaming of and reimagining of the Earth and man's mark upon it.
mat_tobin's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Jacquetta Hawkes' "A Land" is a well-researched and beautifully written account of the British landscape and its geological evolution. This book provides a fascinating and insightful look at the processes that have shaped the British Isles over millions of years.
Hawkes presents a sweeping narrative of the geological processes that have shaped the British landscape, from the formation of its mountains to the evolution of its coastlines. Her writing is clear and engaging, making even the most technical aspects of geology accessible to a lay audience. Her passion for the subject is evident on every page, and her descriptions of the natural wonders of the British landscape are sure to captivate and inspire readers.
imogenn's review
3.0
This is a really interesting, different book that is almost impossible to categorise. I'd classify it as nature writing, but it has a distinctly personal feel. Hawkes combines elements of geology, archeology, anthropology and history with lyrical prose to create a unique view of the natural history of Britain. To my surprise, I actually preferred the more scientific first half to the second half (which focuses on the impact of humans on the land), but there is engaging and relevant material throughout.
The Collins Nature Library edition that I read is also unfairly beautiful!
The Collins Nature Library edition that I read is also unfairly beautiful!
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