Walking Through Spring Hardcover – 21 April 2016

Delightful reading

Graham Hoyland’s journey along the old trackways of England is an enchanting addition to the literature of the countryside. At every turn of the path, he finds something intriguing and informative in the literature, the history, the people or the current state of the countryside – better than Bryson for being more delicate, more sensitive and, simply . . . more English. Never purple, never laboured, his prose at times compares with that of his much-quoted Richard Jeffries and is rich with chuckles – the image of adders, after copulation, “lying together for a couple of hours, smoking” and a blue tit “sounding like a furious bicycle pump” will certainly linger. Lamenting the massive reduction over the last century of much of our native wildlife, largely due to the increase in humans, Hoyland plaintively asks “What are we all for?”. Well, when you’ve read this compelling book, you’ll be in no doubt that we are all here for is to explore, nurture and care for our vanishing countryside, and to love and cherish its every last corner. Go to it.

Graham Hoyland triumphs once again. This time with a different subject, but drawing on the same observational talents demonstrated so well with his Mallory and Irvine previous work. His passion for the Everest story of his first book continues to show through in this description of England's spring journeyHis style of painting a picture of his environment is absorbing. It will appeal to those with a short attention span, as it is crammed with interesting facts, to which the reader can easily relate. His blend of fact, folklore, anecdotes, introduction of new subjects in quick succession, not spending too long on any one topic; switching direction and providing his personal insights keeps the reader wondering which direction he will take next.A thoroughly pleasurably reading experience from start to finish. - A great holiday book!I, for one, will be eagerly awaiting Hoyland's next offering

Bought as a present for my wife, delivery well on time, a good price and brilliantly packaged by KidsIQBooks. She hasn't read it yet but a first glance warrants the five stars.

loved it

Beautifully written and interesting.

Excellent

There was some interesting information here and there but the author's attitudes and prejudices throughout completely spoiled this for me. Why did he feel it necessary to make snide comments about people whose ideas or hobbies don't appeal to him? What have these thoughts to do with Spring? One example: he takes issue with fishermen having notices that a section of the canal is for their use; has he ever seen walkers allow their dogs to leap in and out of water, clearly disturbing any possibility of a catch.( Please note, I have never fished in my life but would maintain others have the right to do so wherever it is legal.)He complains about road noise endured while walking along the main roads. I would like to remind him that roads were built for traffic, not pedestrians, and much of the noise he dislikes is caused by commercial vehicles keeping us all fed / clothed or whatever. Walk in the mountains, Mr. Hoyland or endure the noise necessary for our businesses.There were other unnecessary contemptuous comments against religion etc. and an undercurrent of superiority which I found totally off-putting.I shall take care never to buy any of this author's work in future,