<p>How can we relate to wildlife on Earth? These essays explore the strange design and splendor of wild nature around us and share the wonder of the natural world, as well as the consequence for the human species. "this is indeed a wonderful book. . . . Close observation, wise reflection, careful and supple writing--this book belongs on the shelf of anyone who loves New England's pastoral and wild beauty." Bill McKibben, author, "Radio Free Vermont" and "The End of Nature." Founder of 350.org. "You don't need to travel to the ends of the earth to celebrate wildness and the beauty of nature as Edwin Matthews shows in these delightful and perceptive observations in his own backyard. Whether describing Canada geese, cicadas, the fate of family farms, or the mystery of the night sky, his essays offer heart-felt reflections and a joyful sense of wonder. They also stress the wholeness of nature and our need to share this small planet with all living beings, to protect them with passion and persistence. Deeply researched, astutely observed, and written with poetic grace, the Litchfield Country Journal will stimulate readers of all ages to view the world around them with new eyes." George Schaller, wildlife naturalist and writer, Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, author of "The Last Panda." "A lovely book about the wonders that exist all around us. Edwin Matthews is a keen observer and a lyrical writer." Elizabeth Kolbert, author, "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" and "Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change"</p>

Litchfield Country Journal

Edwin Matthews

The Wager traces the events which take place in a tough comprehensive school, on a day to day basis, throughout one academic year. Simon Brown, the school's cynical head of science, discovers that the school is overstaffed and that some teachers are to be made redundant at the end of the year. He realises that he and his best friend, Wilson, are the prime candidates for the push. Rather than informing his friend of the situation, he keeps the information to himself and secretly tries to ingratiate himself with the school's new head-teacher. The Wager tracks Simon's attempts to save his own job - at his friend's expense. Besides being a cynic, Simon is also a gambler. He and Wilson make a wager as to whether their new head teacher will survive the year. Their new head turns out to be a disastrous appointment, wholly without charisma and alienated from pupils and teachers alike. As staff morale deteriorates and the behaviour of students worsens, the ethos of the school begins to decline. Throughout the turmoil, Simon delivers his acerbic views on events which unfold around him. Due to his gambling, Simon's wife decides to leave him. Not one to get depressed over such a triviality, he decides to pursue an attractive young maths teacher by the name of Sophie Lawrence and strange events start to occur in Simon's life, both at home and at work...A laugh-out-loud novel packed with twists and turns, The Wager will appeal to fans of comic fiction - we bet it will make you chuckle. Edwin is inspired by J. D. Salinger, Joseph Heller and Ken Kesey.

The Wager

Matador

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Edwin Matthews. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Edwin Matthews

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Edwin Matthews. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Litchfield Country Journal

The Wager