A beautifully written, witty and inspirational account of a man (and his dog) living for a year on only what can be hunted, fished or foraged.

The Wild Life is John Lewis-Stempel’s account of twelve months eating only food shot, caught or foraged from the fields, hedges, and brooks of his forty-acre farm. Nothing from a shop and nothing raised from agriculture. Could it even be done?

We witness the season-by-season drama as the author survives on Nature’s larder, trains Edith, a reluctant gundog, and conjures new recipes. And, above all, we see him get closer to Nature. Because, after all, you’re never closer to Nature than when you’re trying to kill it or pick it.

Lyrical, observant and mordantly funny, The Wild Life is an extraordinary celebration of our natural heritage, and a testament to the importance of getting back to one’s roots - spiritually and practically.