An imposing, life-size oil painting dominates the main meeting room at the RSPB’s base in the heart of England: ‘the man above the fireplace’ – always present, rarely mentioned. Curious about the person in the portrait, the author began a quest to rediscover William Henry Hudson (1841–1922). It became a mission of restoration: stitching back together the faded tapestry of Hudson’s life, re-colouring it in places and adding new threads from the testaments of his closest friends.

This book traces the unassuming field naturalist’s path through a dramatic and turbulent era: from Hudson’s journey to Britain from Argentina in 1874 to the unveiling by the prime minister of a monument and bird sanctuary in his honour 50 years later, in the heart of Hyde Park – a place where the young immigrant had, for a time, slept rough. At its core, this extraordinary story reveals Hudson’s deep influence on the creation of his beloved Bird Society by its founding women, and the rise of the conservation movement. It reveals the strange magnetism of this mysterious man from the Pampas – unschooled, battle-scarred and once penniless – that made his achievements possible, and left such a profound impression on those who knew him.

By the end of his life, Hudson had Hollywood studios bidding for his work. He was a household name through his luminous and seminal nature writing, and the Bird Society had at last reached the climax of a 30-year campaign, working to create the first global alliance of bird protectionists. A century after Hudson’s death, this is a long-overdue tribute to perhaps our most significant – and most neglected – writer-naturalist and wildlife campaigner.

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This excellent book justifiably puts Mr Hudson right up there with the finest.

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Jameson does a masterly job in bringing together the threads ,,, an excellent and entertaining tour of a fascinating life - this book should be in the collection of everyone who has an interest in nature writers, birds or environmental campaigning as well as anyone who fancies a rattling good story with a colourful cast of English eccentrics and Edwardian radicals.

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This is a compelling tribute to Hudson who would be delighted to know that many of the bird species lost in the Victorian era are now returning.

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I found this book to be beautifully written, with stories from places visited by Hudson and consider it to be a great read for anyone interested in birds and conservation.

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...rich in biographical details ... lovingly and comprehensively researched ... The narrative flows smoothly, is eminently readable and provides great insight

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Jameson has uncovered new material and made this account of Hudson’s time in England fresh and intriguing, through a combination of painstaking research and lucid writing... this exemplary tribute deserves to be widely read

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Jameson's book does a fantastic job... I’d urge anyone with an interest in ornithology, or conservation in general, to read this book immediately.

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Jameson has produced a fascinating portrait of an inspirational figure: a great campaigner and influencer, and an accomplished naturalist. It is a great read.