The Sheep’s Tale

The Sheep’s Tale by John Lewis-Stempel is a warm and engaging biography that invites readers into the intimate world of sheep through the eyes of one of our most celebrated nature writers. John Lewis-Stempel, author of multiple Sunday Times bestsellers and a two-time winner of the Wainwright Prize for nature writing, brings his signature wit and depth of knowledge to a subject that is often misunderstood.

Everyone thinks they know what sheep are like – they're perceived as stupid, noisy, and cowardly creatures, commonly dismissed as ‘lambs to the slaughter’ who are ‘sheepwrecking’ the environment. However, Lewis-Stempel challenges these misconceptions with eloquence and evidence. Contrary to popular belief, sheep are remarkably intelligent, fiercely loyal animals that form enduring friendships. When farmed properly, they contribute significantly to biodiversity, acting as stewards of the landscape.

Sheep also provide us with essential resources: their meat is a valued part of our cuisine, and their fleeces keep us warm during the winter months. The author’s own family once supplied wool for Queen Elizabeth’s hosiery, highlighting the practical and historical significance of these animals.

Structured around the traditional shepherd’s calendar, The Sheep’s Tale is an homage to ewes, lambs, and rams through the changing seasons. Lewis-Stempel tends to his flock with a blend of deep-rooted wisdom, ethical consideration, genuine affection, and humour. The book honours the sheep he has reared and sheared, from the gregarious Action Ram to the gentle Maid Marian, each with their own unique personality and story.

His narrative is enriched with the kinds of tales that only a shepherd can share, offering a rare and touching insight into the life and work of sheep farming. The Sheep’s Tale is not just a biography of these animals; it’s a tender, thoughtful, and often surprising look at their integral role in the natural world, as well as a tribute to the timeless bond between shepherd and sheep.