The Old Ways

A Journey on Foot

By Robert Macfarlane | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

About the book

The acclaimed author of The Wild Places and Underland examines the subtle ways we are shaped by the landscapes through which we move

Chosen by Slate as one of the 50 best nonfiction books of the past 25 years


In this exquisitely written book, which folds together natural history, cartography, geology, and literature, Robert Macfarlane sets off to follow the ancient routes that crisscross both the landscape of the British Isles and its waters and territories beyond. The result is an immersive, enthralling exploration of the voices that haunt old paths and the stories our tracks tell. Macfarlane’s journeys take him from the chalk downs of England to the bird islands of the Scottish northwest, from Palestine to the sacred landscapes of Spain and the Himalayas. He matches strides with the footprints made by a man five thousand years ago near Liverpool, sails an open boat far out into the Atlantic at night, and commingles with walkers of many kinds, discovering that paths offer a means not just of traversing space but also of feeling, knowing, and thinking.

Editions of The Old Ways

Hardcover
ISBN 9780670025114
Paperback
ISBN 9780147509796
EBook
ISBN 9781101601075

Read an Excerpt

The acclaimed author of The Wild Places and Underland examines the subtle ways we are shaped by the landscapes through which we move

Chosen by Slate as one of the 50 best nonfiction books of the past 25 years


In this exquisitely written book, which folds together natural history, cartography, geology, and literature, Robert Macfarlane sets off to follow the ancient routes that crisscross both the landscape of the British Isles and its waters and territories beyond. The result is an immersive, enthralling exploration of the voices that haunt old paths and the stories our tracks tell. Macfarlane’s journeys take him from the chalk downs of England to the bird islands of the Scottish northwest, from Palestine to the sacred landscapes of Spain and the Himalayas. He matches strides with the footprints made by a man five thousand years ago near Liverpool, sails an open boat far out into the Atlantic at night, and commingles with walkers of many kinds, discovering that paths offer a means not just of traversing space but also of feeling, knowing, and thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Old Ways about?

The acclaimed author of The Wild Places and Underland examines the subtle ways we are shaped by the landscapes through which we move

Chosen by Slate as one of the 50 best nonfiction books of the past 25 years


In this exquisitely written book, which folds together natural history, cartography, geology, and literature, Robert Macfarlane sets off to follow the ancient routes that crisscross both the landscape of the British Isles and its waters and territories beyond. The result is an immersive, enthralling exploration of the voices that haunt old paths and the stories our tracks tell. Macfarlane’s journeys take him from the chalk downs of England to the bird islands of the Scottish northwest, from Palestine to the sacred landscapes of Spain and the Himalayas. He matches strides with the footprints made by a man five thousand years ago near Liverpool, sails an open boat far out into the Atlantic at night, and commingles with walkers of many kinds, discovering that paths offer a means not just of traversing space but also of feeling, knowing, and thinking.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Old Ways?

Lifestyle, Hobbies and Leisure > Nature and the natural world: general interest

Where can I read a sample of The Old Ways?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670025114

Is The Old Ways part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Landscapes

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Old Ways?

Robert Macfarlane

Who is the Publisher of the book The Old Ways?

Penguin Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Old Ways is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670025114) and paperback(ISBN 9780147509796) and ebook(ISBN 9781101601075)

Where can I buy The Old Ways online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy The Old Ways from below

Where can I buy The Old Ways?