Synopsis
From the celebrated writer and observer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book – which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title
At its heart is a single, transformative that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings – who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Inspired by the activists, artists and lawmakers of the young ‘Rights of Nature’ movement, Macfarlane takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.
Is a River Alive? flows like water from the mountains to the sea, over three major journeys:
The first is to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened with destruction by gold-mining.
The second is to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.
The third is to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river – the Mutehekau or Magpie – is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.
Braiding these journeys is the life story of the fragile chalk stream who rises a mile from Macfarlane’s house, and flows through his own years and days.
Passionate, immersive and revelatory, Is a River Alive? is at once Macfarlane’s most personal and most political book to date. It is a book that will open hearts, spark debates and challenge perspectives. Lit throughout by other minds and voices, it invites us radically to reimagine not only rivers but also life itself. At the centre of this vital, beautiful book is the recognition that our fate flows with that of rivers – and always has.
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Is a River Alive
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, London, 2025
ISBN 10: 0241624819
ISBN 13: 9780241624814
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. SHORTLISTED FOR BLACKWELL'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CONSERVATION WRITING 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026 From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title. At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept. The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining. Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way. And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river the Mutehekau or Magpie is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign. At once Macfarlanes most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers and always has. 2025 BOOK OF THE YEAR ACCORDING TO SPECTATOR, I PAPER, ECONOMIST, ESQUIRE, TIME SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SHERBORNE PRIZE FOR TRAVEL WRITING 2026 LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2026. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR014310429
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Is a River Alive?: The Instant Number One Sunday Times Bestseller
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, United Kingdom, London, 2025
ISBN 10: 0241624819
ISBN 13: 9780241624814
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Fine. SHORTLISTED FOR BLACKWELL'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CONSERVATION WRITING 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026 From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title. At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept. The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining. Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way. And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river the Mutehekau or Magpie is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign. At once Macfarlanes most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers and always has. 2025 BOOK OF THE YEAR ACCORDING TO SPECTATOR, I PAPER, ECONOMIST, ESQUIRE, TIME SHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SHERBORNE PRIZE FOR TRAVEL WRITING 2026 LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2026. Seller Inventory # GOR014338427
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Is A River Alive?
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Is a River Alive?
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Hardback. Condition: New. SHORTLISTED FOR BLACKWELL'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR CONSERVATION WRITING 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026From celebrated writer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book - which answers a resounding yes to the question of its title.At its heart is a single, transformative idea: that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings - who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Is a River Alive? takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.The book flows first to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened by goldmining.Then, to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.And finally, to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river - the Mutehekau or Magpie - is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.At once Macfarlane's most personal and most political book to date, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, spark debates and lead us to the revelation that our fate flows with that of rivers - and always has.2025 BOOK OF THE YEAR ACCORDING TO SPECTATOR, I PAPER, ECONOMIST, ESQUIRE, TIMESHORTLISTED FOR THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026SHORTLISTED FOR THE SHERBORNE PRIZE FOR TRAVEL WRITING 2026LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE 2026. Seller Inventory # LU-9780241624814
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Is A River Alive?
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Hardcover. Condition: NEW. International Edition, Brand New, ISBN and Cover same but contents similar to U.S. Edition, We ship from multiple Locations including India. Legal to use despite any disclaimer, We ship to PO , APO and FPO adresses in U.S.A. Ship from multiple Locations including India Choose Expedited Shipping for FASTER DELIVERY.Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # INISB1#9780241624814
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Is a River Alive? (Hardcover)
Published by
Penguin Books Ltd, London, 2025
ISBN 10: 0241624819
ISBN 13: 9780241624814
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Seller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: new. Hardcover. From the celebrated writer and observer Robert Macfarlane comes this brilliant, perspective-shifting new book - which answers a resounding yes to the question of its titleAt its heart is a single, transformative idea- that rivers are not mere matter for human use, but living beings - who should be recognized as such in both imagination and law. Inspired by the activists, artists and lawmakers of the young 'Rights of Nature' movement, Macfarlane takes the reader on an exhilarating exploration of the past, present and futures of this ancient, urgent concept.Is a River Alive? flows like water from the mountains to the sea, over three major journeys-The first is to northern Ecuador, where a miraculous cloud-forest and its rivers are threatened with destruction by gold-mining.The second is to the wounded rivers, creeks and lagoons of southern India, where a desperate battle to save the lives of these waterbodies is under way.The third is to north-eastern Quebec, where a spectacular wild river - the Mutehekau or Magpie - is being defended from death by damming in a river-rights campaign.Braiding these journeys is the life story of the fragile chalk stream who rises a mile from Macfarlane's house, and flows through his own years and days.Passionate, immersive and revelatory, Is a River Alive? is at once Macfarlane's most personal and most political book to date. It is a book that will open hearts, spark debates and challenge perspectives. Lit throughout by other minds and voices, it invites us radically to reimagine not only rivers but also life itself. At the centre of this vital, beautiful book is the recognition that our fate flows with that of rivers - and always has. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780241624814
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Is a River Alive
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