The Peregrine: 50th Anniversary Edition

Revisiting the powerful prose of J. A. Baker, The Peregrine: 50th Anniversary Edition brings to life the profound and haunting journey of a solitary man obsessively observing and documenting the lives of peregrine falcons over a single winter on the Essex coast. With unparalleled attention to detail, Baker's account captures the raw and untamed world of these majestic birds of prey, painting a desolate yet mesmerising landscape where nature's beauty and brutality coexist.

Despite peregrines being typically associated with the wild, untamed regions of the British Isles, Baker's narrative unfolds amidst the flat marshes of Essex. Here, amidst the harsh, wintry conditions, Baker meticulously records the peregrines as they hunt the vast flocks of pigeons and waders that share this barren, isolated locale. His observations are not simply about birds; they are about the whole of existence seen through a near-mystical connection with these predators, conveying a raw, unfiltered appreciation of nature.

Esteemed voices such as Ted Hughes and Andrew Motion have hailed The Peregrine as one of the paramount works of 20th-Century nature writing. The edition features a compelling introduction by bestselling nature writer Mark Cocker, who elaborates on Baker's significant influence and the timeless relevance of his work. Mark Cocker's insights offer a gateway to understanding the deeper layers of Baker's unique contributions to nature literature.

This 50th Anniversary Edition is further enriched by an exclusive new afterword from renowned author Robert Macfarlane, offering contemporary perspectives and reflections on Baker's enduring legacy. The edition also includes Baker's lesser-known works: an article titled "On the Essex Coast," originally published in RSPB Birds magazine in 1971, and a paper on peregrines written for the Essex Bird Report. These pieces, included with the agreement of the RSPB, contribute further valuable context to Baker's primary narrative and allow readers a more comprehensive view of his work and passions.

The Peregrine: 50th Anniversary Edition is more than a reissue; it is a tribute to J. A. Baker's mesmerizing ability to convey the primal beauty of nature and an invitation for new generations to experience one of the most influential pieces of nature writing ever composed.