The Lost Spells: Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris in conversation, 1st October

Join The Lost Words creators Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris as they celebrate the publication of their beautiful new book, The Lost Spells.

Conjuring the wonder of everyday nature through both words and imagery, The Lost Spells evokes the importance of naming and knowing the living world, and reminds us of what we would lose if nature were to slip from our lives.

The Lost Spells was started not long after Robert and Jackie finished creating their internationally acclaimed bestseller, The Lost Words. As Robert sat at his dying grandmother’s bedside, he considered the hope and despair, light and darkness that she had seen in her century-long life. Reaching for his notebook, he found himself writing a new spell: ‘Goldfinch’. He sent it to Jackie who painted a goldfinch in reply – and this became the first of The Lost Spells.

In discussion with writer and journalist Patrick Barkham, Robert and Jackie will reflect on the origins of The Lost Spells, their process of creative collaboration, and their hope that readers will take this book out into the world, to wood, field and riverbank.

Spells will be cast, foxes and moths will be painted, and the event will feature an audience Q&A with the authors.

Registration to this virtual launch event is free, or through purchasing a copy of The Lost Spells via this page.

Presented by Penguin Live in partnership with Waterstones