About the book
The acclaimed biographer and obituarist for The Economist reflects on a career spent pursuing life and capturing it on the page
'Lifescapes is the universe in miniature'
DAILY TELEGRAPH
It is soul that I go looking for. Or, to put it another way, real life.
'She's a genius, I believe'
HILARY MANTEL, author of Wolf Hall
'What is life?' asked the poet Shelley, and could not come up with an answer. Scientists, too, for all their understanding of how life manifests, thrives and evolves, have still not plumbed that fundamental question. Yet biographers and obituarists continue to corral lives in a few columns, or a few hundred pages, aware all the time how fleeting and elusive their subject is.
In this dazzlingly original blend of memoir, biography, observation and poetry, Ann Wroe reflects on the art and impossibility of capturing life on the page. Through her experiences and those of others, through people she has known, studied or merely glimpsed in windows, she movingly explores what makes a life and how that life lingers after.
Animated by Wroe's rare imagination, eye for the telling detail, and the wit, beauty and clarity of her writing, Lifescapes is a luminous, deeply personal answer to Shelley's question.
Editions of Lifescapes
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781787334458
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781529922547
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529904765
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781529909098
Read an Excerpt
The acclaimed biographer and obituarist for The Economist reflects on a career spent pursuing life and capturing it on the page
'Lifescapes is the universe in miniature'
DAILY TELEGRAPH
It is soul that I go looking for. Or, to put it another way, real life.
'She's a genius, I believe'
HILARY MANTEL, author of Wolf Hall
'What is life?' asked the poet Shelley, and could not come up with an answer. Scientists, too, for all their understanding of how life manifests, thrives and evolves, have still not plumbed that fundamental question. Yet biographers and obituarists continue to corral lives in a few columns, or a few hundred pages, aware all the time how fleeting and elusive their subject is.
In this dazzlingly original blend of memoir, biography, observation and poetry, Ann Wroe reflects on the art and impossibility of capturing life on the page. Through her experiences and those of others, through people she has known, studied or merely glimpsed in windows, she movingly explores what makes a life and how that life lingers after.
Animated by Wroe's rare imagination, eye for the telling detail, and the wit, beauty and clarity of her writing, Lifescapes is a luminous, deeply personal answer to Shelley's question.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lifescapes about?
The acclaimed biographer and obituarist for The Economist reflects on a career spent pursuing life and capturing it on the page
'Lifescapes is the universe in miniature'
DAILY TELEGRAPH
It is soul that I go looking for. Or, to put it another way, real life.
'She's a genius, I believe'
HILARY MANTEL, author of Wolf Hall
'What is life?' asked the poet Shelley, and could not come up with an answer. Scientists, too, for all their understanding of how life manifests, thrives and evolves, have still not plumbed that fundamental question. Yet biographers and obituarists continue to corral lives in a few columns, or a few hundred pages, aware all the time how fleeting and elusive their subject is.
In this dazzlingly original blend of memoir, biography, observation and poetry, Ann Wroe reflects on the art and impossibility of capturing life on the page. Through her experiences and those of others, through people she has known, studied or merely glimpsed in windows, she movingly explores what makes a life and how that life lingers after.
Animated by Wroe's rare imagination, eye for the telling detail, and the wit, beauty and clarity of her writing, Lifescapes is a luminous, deeply personal answer to Shelley's question.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lifescapes?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Memoirs
Where can I read a sample of Lifescapes?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781787334458
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lifescapes?
Ann Wroe
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lifescapes is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781787334458) and paperback(ISBN 9781529922547) and ebook(ISBN 9781529904765) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781529909098)
Where can I buy Lifescapes online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Lifescapes from below
Where can I buy Lifescapes?